NLEX churned out the kind of game coach Yeng Guiao wanted and got rewarded with a win in its first game as a result.
The Road Warriors plan to do at least the same when they tangle with NorthPort Friday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena.
"We hope we can bring this momentum to our next game on Friday," said Guiao after his team's 114-112 victory over San Miguel Beer on opening day.
If coach Pido Jarencio is to be believed, expect NorthPort to play much better than the game it dished out in coming up just short against Alaska 85-87 also last Wednesday.
According to Jarencio, main reason they lost is the lack of chemistry since, for one reason or another, his Batang Pier have not been complete in practices and the Alaska game marked only the first time they played as a full team.
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"Actually, first game naming magkakasama. Pati tuneup hindi kami kumpleto. Ngayon lang nag-limahan iyan kaya nagkakapaan pa," said Jarencio a day after the loss. "Sabi ko, adjust-adjust na lang. P'wede pa sanang manalo kaya lang medyo kulang, nabitin."
One who needs to make the right modification in the NorthPort camp is import Cameron Forte. The Arizona-born, naturalized Jordanian wound up with 18 points and 15 rebounds but was taken out with still 6:34 left in the game and was never fielded back.
"Hindi siya nag-ko-complement sa ibang players, eh," was how Jarencio explained his decision. "Kinausap ko kanina. Sinabi ko sa kanya: 'You have to be an import. You have to be a game-changer.' Pina-realize ko lang sa kanya. 'You're here for a purpose.' Naintindihan naman niya."
The alterations Jarencio wants must take effect immediately since NLEX has no such problems, vividly showcased in the SMB game when six of its players scored in double figures, led by KJ McDaniels' 27 points on top of 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Road Warriors also issued 29 assists on 43 made field goals while committing only 11 turnovers.
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"We want our scoring to be spread out, we want the ball to move, we want everybody getting involved," said Guiao. "That's how we like it."
McDaniels also laid bare his intention after his shaky first quarter that saw him go 1-of-8 from the field. "I plan on being much better," he said. (NC)
