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Both ends meet in PBA
By: Zean Macamay, Journal Online
CALL it ironic: Rain or Shine will attempt to cut short its series of misfortunes on a Friday the 13th. And the worse part of it all
is that it would have to snap out of their cold ways against the hottest team.
“Right now, things haven’t gone the way we anticipated,” said Gabe Norwood, the Painters’ most talented player and last
season’s top rookie. “No team wants to lose six straight, but we also understand that the season isn’t over. We have to
continue to work hard and find a way to come together and get a win.”
Yet getting that first win is a certified easier-said-than-done thing, as the winless franchise now on its worst start since
entering the league in 2006 will have to challenge no less than league-leading Alaska tonight in the KFC-PBA Philippine
Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
For the record, Rain or Shine has already lost 10 straight dating back to last season’s Fiesta Conference, the tournament
where the Painters made a breakthrough performance by finishing fourth.
But things have changed dramatically for the Painters. They have been losing games because of bad breaks and tough
lucks, and can’t seem to get the right chemistry on the floor even with a line-up that’s loaded with promise and youth.
Coach Caloy Garcia, back after missing two games due to a car accident, remains positive despite his team having a 0-6
(win-loss) record.
“I just told the players not to think of the standings,” said Garcia. “We just have to focus on playing as a team both on
defense and offense. We have to believe that we can pull off the upset.”
Tim Cone agrees that Rain or Shine’s record doesn’t reflect its true strength. And even though the battle is between the best
and the worst teams so far, the winningest mentor in terms of games won feels a great amount of danger ahead.
“Needless to say we’ll need to be on our toes with it being Friday the 13th and everything,” said Cone, whose Aces will be
shooting for a seventh consecutive win. “Seriously, Rain or Shine’s record does not reflect its play. They’ve had some tough
games and some tough luck.
“We can’t be lulled into thinking we can just show up and win. We’ll have to earn it, that’s for sure.”
Alaska last fought on Nov. 6 and trampled Burger King 87-73, while Rain or Shine dropped an 86-77 decision to Ginebra
even with the Kings playing without Mark Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand.
In the opener, defending champion Talk ‘N Text shoots for its second straight win when it takes on Barako Bull.
The Tropang Texters bounced back from their 108-102 loss to Purefoods with a 103-94 victory over Coca-Cola Wednesday
night, improving their record to 3-2.
The Energy Boosters, meantime, are coming off a 94-86 defeat to Ginebra last Nov. 6.
Although overwhelmingly favored, Talk ‘N Text will be seeing action for the second time in three days and for the third in six.
“Right after the game against Coke, my concern was our next game against Barako Bull, which is a team with a lot of
energy,” said Texters’ coach Chot Reyes.
“A lot of my guys played major minutes last night and I still don’t know how it’s going to affect them for the next game. But,
you know, that’s the PBA and we need to find a way to get ready,” Reyes said.
By: Zean Macamay, Journal Online
CALL it ironic: Rain or Shine will attempt to cut short its series of misfortunes on a Friday the 13th. And the worse part of it all
is that it would have to snap out of their cold ways against the hottest team.
“Right now, things haven’t gone the way we anticipated,” said Gabe Norwood, the Painters’ most talented player and last
season’s top rookie. “No team wants to lose six straight, but we also understand that the season isn’t over. We have to
continue to work hard and find a way to come together and get a win.”
Yet getting that first win is a certified easier-said-than-done thing, as the winless franchise now on its worst start since
entering the league in 2006 will have to challenge no less than league-leading Alaska tonight in the KFC-PBA Philippine
Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
For the record, Rain or Shine has already lost 10 straight dating back to last season’s Fiesta Conference, the tournament
where the Painters made a breakthrough performance by finishing fourth.
But things have changed dramatically for the Painters. They have been losing games because of bad breaks and tough
lucks, and can’t seem to get the right chemistry on the floor even with a line-up that’s loaded with promise and youth.
Coach Caloy Garcia, back after missing two games due to a car accident, remains positive despite his team having a 0-6
(win-loss) record.
“I just told the players not to think of the standings,” said Garcia. “We just have to focus on playing as a team both on
defense and offense. We have to believe that we can pull off the upset.”
Tim Cone agrees that Rain or Shine’s record doesn’t reflect its true strength. And even though the battle is between the best
and the worst teams so far, the winningest mentor in terms of games won feels a great amount of danger ahead.
“Needless to say we’ll need to be on our toes with it being Friday the 13th and everything,” said Cone, whose Aces will be
shooting for a seventh consecutive win. “Seriously, Rain or Shine’s record does not reflect its play. They’ve had some tough
games and some tough luck.
“We can’t be lulled into thinking we can just show up and win. We’ll have to earn it, that’s for sure.”
Alaska last fought on Nov. 6 and trampled Burger King 87-73, while Rain or Shine dropped an 86-77 decision to Ginebra
even with the Kings playing without Mark Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand.
In the opener, defending champion Talk ‘N Text shoots for its second straight win when it takes on Barako Bull.
The Tropang Texters bounced back from their 108-102 loss to Purefoods with a 103-94 victory over Coca-Cola Wednesday
night, improving their record to 3-2.
The Energy Boosters, meantime, are coming off a 94-86 defeat to Ginebra last Nov. 6.
Although overwhelmingly favored, Talk ‘N Text will be seeing action for the second time in three days and for the third in six.
“Right after the game against Coke, my concern was our next game against Barako Bull, which is a team with a lot of
energy,” said Texters’ coach Chot Reyes.
“A lot of my guys played major minutes last night and I still don’t know how it’s going to affect them for the next game. But,
you know, that’s the PBA and we need to find a way to get ready,” Reyes said.