Defense key to victory, says San Miguel coach

Game Saturday (Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center)
5:30 p.m. – Talk ’N Text vs San Miguel (Finals Game 1)

MANILA, Philippines — Just one quick look at San Miguel Beer’s line-up and one will marvel at the firepower and depth of the team – it’s solid in every position.

But San Miguel coach Ato Agustin knows very well they can’t afford to shoot it out with the Tropang Texters when they clashin the finals of the PBA Philippine Cup starting on Saturday in Victorias, Negros Occidental.

Like the Beermen, the Tropang Texters also boast of deadly shooters and big men capable of controlling the shaded lane.



So it was no surprise that the Beermen are now focusing on one aspect – defending against Jimmy Alapag and Jason Castro, TNT’s 1-2 backcourt punch.

“Dun kami naka-focus sa guards nila,” said Arwind Santos, a 6-foot-4 versatile forward who is capable of playing smaller and quicker opponents. “Kasi sa kanila nag-uumpisa yung offense talaga e.”

For Agustin, it’s no secret that the backcourt of TNT is one of the deadliest in the league, having the speed, spunk and experience.

Aside from Alapag and Castro, the Texters of coach Chot Reyes have also Fil-Am Ryan Reyes at their disposal.

Because either Alapag or Castro can step on the gas, it gives the Texters to opportunities to score in transition with forwards Kelly Williams, Harvey Carey and Jared Dillinger.

Reyes, on the other hand, can create his own shots but is also effective orchestrating the offense.

San Miguel guards Alex Cabagnot and Dondon Hontiveros refused to discuss the type of defense they will put onagainst Alapag, Castro and Reyes, but one thing is sure, it’s similar to the kind of defense the Beermen showed in the semifinals against Barangay Ginebra.

“Ang mga guards ng Talk ’N Text parang sa Ginebra din kasi, they are scorers,” Agustin said. “So in our series with Ginebra, medyo na-prepare kami doon kaya masasabi ko na ready kami sa guards ng TNT.”

“Sa frontline naman nila, siguro similar defense lang din kami, wala naman gaanong magbabago. Talagang concentrate kami sa guards kasi dun sila nag-start ng offense,” he added.

Aside from Cabagnot and Hontiveros, also expected to rotate in trying to limit TNT’s backcourt are defense-specialist Denok Miranda, Paul Artadi, Joseph Yeo and veteran guard Olsen Racela.

On offense, Agustin, who is eyeing to become the eight coach to win a PBA championship in his first year, said that they will still run the same pattern of finding the open man and taking advantage of some mismatches.

“Sa offense naman namin kung sino ang uminit saka kung sino ang puputok e, pwede mag-contribute kahit na sinongplayer,” he said.

“Although may mga plays kami na gusto i-try in our next practice, sa ngayon concentrate muna sa defense,” added Agustin, who is hoping to help SMB win its 19th title, and first all-Filipino trophy since 2001.

Game 1 of the championship series is set Saturday in Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center.

Talk ’N Text earned the first finals slot as it dethroned B-Meg Derby Ace, 4-2, in the Final Four, and then San Miguel took the last berth with a similar finish in the semis over Barangay Ginebra.
source: mb.com.ph/