Hapee coach: We still have what it takes
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/02/2008 10:01 PM
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Gee Abanilla, the newly-hired coach of Hapee Toothpaste, believes his team still has what it takes to make it into the PBL finals despite the departure of four of their top players.
Abanilla said that for the team, “nothing is impossible” even without the likes of Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, Larry Rodriguez, Mark Borboran and Reed Juntilla on their side.
“I’m happy with the way the players accepted my system of coaching. The acceptance was very good,” Abanilla said in a report posted on SportsNews.ph.
Team manager Bernard Yang said the team seem to respond well to Abanilla’s motivation.
“He’s a good motivator and very understanding to our players and that’s the reason why he easily got the respect of the team,” said Yang. “We hope he can help relive our happy days in the league.”
Although they made it to the finals in three out of the last four conferences, Hapee Toothpaste has yet to win a title since dominating the 2003-04 season.
Abanilla will try to get the most out of UST’s Jervy Cruz, rookies Lance Covento and Joshua Vanlandingham, Bacolod’s Ely Olarte, Jeff Morial and Dave Najorda.
Dino Daa, Roel Hugnatan, Alfie Grijaldo, Anthony Espiritu, Earn Saguindel and Jim Viray will provide the much needed experience for the team.
Hard court spectators will see a lot of run and gun games with Hapee, since Abanilla is disciple of a fast game.
“I want everybody to deliver not only Jervy. So for us to perform well, we have to be fast and quick. Spacing is also important, so that each player will have a chance to score,” said Abanilla.
