Yes UE did give us some chances also. My point is that if we scored 76, that should have been more than enough points to win a UAAP game. Going away at that. So we did have the firepower after all in that game. BUT the other team should score LESS.

We cannot engage any of the other three final four teams in a shootout. We will lose for sure. Look at Adamson, even in their losses, their games are almost always close. They keep the score low specially in the 4th quarter when they play zone to clog up the lane. They ALWAYS have a chance to win this way. They know also that they cannot outscore either FEU or Ateneo so they keep their offensive juggernauts out of the game.

I know your frustrations dude, but such is basketball. Coaches know that offense sometimes takes a vacation. But they always put premium on defense because that can be consistently executed. Defense does not have an off night.

Thanks for the good words and support bill.

Re: Joshua, I think he is now starting to identify a role he can consistently perform. That of a finisher. He has been maligned mainly because of his turnovers (most of them trying to create off the dribble, and passing like a point guard from up top). That is not his game.

He is most effective moving without the ball, going to the open spaces, and finishing. He is one of the best finishers I have ever seen. What I would like him to develop is his REBOUNDING and boxing out. The kid can JUMP. He has the body to box out effectively. He can help Maui, Jovet, Yutien and Papot man the boards. Even in an off shooting night, he can still be effective and very useful.

He loses his cool sometimes when he doesn’t score well. He also loses it when someone like a Salamat or Buenafe play mind games on him. But as a leaper, he is one of the highest leapers I’ve seen for his size. Therefore, rebounding is the area which he should concentrate on.

I never malign ANY player (even lat year’s team), simply because different players come up in different games for different reasons. Against UST for instance, our guards are very effective because all they have to do is watch for the three point shot. Against Adamson, it’s Simon and Marata (our off guards) who are key because of the Zone defense.

AND guys, we NEED ALL our players to perform well to succeed, not just some. So let’s support our team as a whole, and the boys as individuals. They represent our school proudly, and we support them proudly also.

ANIMO.

One thing I’m proud of the team right now, is the way they play their heart’s out in every game, since their first game up until now? win or lose?…one things for sure they’ve let their critics check their eyes and eyeglasses now

A couple suggestion though, for the coaching staff:

Offense works if you have players that’s not battered by defense
(I know press was always been the key for the archers to win games, but you need also guys that will run the scoring that is not puffing and gasping for air)

Don’t let the offense be predictable
(after Marata hit the 3, on the next ball position, midway halfcourt UE already knew where would the play or ball be….still Marata and sad is same area on the floor….result? predicted drive and predicted pass courtesy by Elorde)