TERRAFIRMA coach Johnedel Cardel has so far liked what he has seen with his team in the PBA On Tour.
Cardel would be pleased even more if his Dyip would hit their remaining targets starting with their match against the undermanned San Miguel Beermen Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
The match, presented by Arena Plus and sponsored by Bingo Plus, is set at 5 p.m.
Terrafirma is looking to snap out of a three-game slide and improve to a 4-6 record going to its last game against unbeaten Magnolia on July 26.
"Sabi ko nga sa mga players, maka-isa tayong panalo sa last two games, okay. Pag nakadalawa much better," said Cardel on the eve of the match.
Sponsored content:
For its part, 3-7 SMB is looking to end its pre-season campaign on a bright note. But even coach Jorge Gallent admitted it would take a lot of doing since the injured Mo Tautuaa, Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel would still be out along with Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter and Gilas Pilipinas pool members June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez.
"Like today, pito lang kami," said Beermen coach Jorge Gallent, who has had to make do with remaining regular players Jericho Cruz, Allyn Bulanadi, Rodney Brondial and Jeepy Faundo, aside from players from their 3X3 team and some pickups led by Noy Baclao.
If there's one positive side to his team's initial gear-up for the regular season, according to Gallent, it's that his players were able to pick up some of the things he's been trying to implement.
"What we want to achieve going to the regular season, which are mostly defensive schemes na inimbento namin. Also, what's the best to do in certain situations, kung ano best para kay June Mar and the rest of the team," said Gallent.
"Nakukuha naman, pero problema wala pang kalahati lang nandiyan. Like bukas pito lang kami. Pero sacrifice lang naman. Buti nga, may apat na 3X3 players kami. Kundi aapat lang kami."
Sponsored content:
In contrast, Cardel would have a complement of 12 healthy players at his disposal for the first time in the tournament with Eric Camson's return making up for the absence of Allen Mina (hyperextended knee).
More than the record, Cardel wants his team to continue working on the things it has set out to do. "Team chemistry na-improve naman dito, pero ini-stress ko pa rin 'yung maturity, decision-making nang bawat isa," he said.
"'Yung mga importanteng bagay na dapat maikasa namin going to the regular season." (NC)
