NO MATTER the numerous stumbling blocks in its way Terrafirma remains bent on improving as a team.
Coach Johnedel Cardel even prefers to look at the bright side notwithstanding his Dyip's winless start in the PBA On Tour.
"Unti-unti, nakikita mo namang may improvement kahit papaano," said Cardel on the eve of his team's clash with TNT Wednesday at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
The match presented by Arena Plus and sponsored Bingo Plus is set at 5 p.m.
"May mga players na nag-e-excel at 'yung sistema nakukuha na," added Cardel, who incidentally celebrated his 53rd birthday Tuesday.
Sponsored content: "Hindi lang masyadong obvious kasi nga wala pang panalo, pero I think we're getting there naman. More games na lang kailangan."
But as much as Terrafirma wants to get on track following a 0-2 start to the pre-season, so does TNT.
The KaTropa dropped their opening game to NorthPort, 90-99, last Friday when the Batang Pier pounced on the absence of Jayson Castro, Mikey Williams, Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy and Kelly Williams, who were given extended rest and more time to heal following TNT's Governors' Cup championship run last April.
"Starting five namin wala," quipped TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa, who himself let assistants Sandy Arespacochaga and Yuri Escueta call the shots in the NorthPort game.
With Poy Erram continuing to be a game-time decision due to a sprain he suffered in the NorthPort game, the burden of propping TNT's bid now lies most on the shoulders of Glenn Khobuntin, Carl Bryan Cruz, Kib Montalbo, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Paul Varilla.
Sponsored content: Former San Beda Red Lions Clifford Jopia, Damie Cuntapay, Peter Alfaro and JV Gallego would also be given the time to strut their wares more.
For its part, Terrafirma would surely be boosted by the return to action of Kevin Ferrer, from a hand injury he suffered early in an 82-119 loss to Converge, and JP Calvo, who missed the first two games due to an illness. (NC)
