Chatting with Coach Bert
A come-from-behind win of the FEU Tamaraws against the UST Growling Tigers on UAAP Season 75's opening day thrilled everyone. The Tamaraws will get back to work and face the De La Salle Green Archers on Sunday, July 22, 2pm at the SM Mall Of Asia Arena. Last season, the tams swept the archers in the elimination round but DLSU is expected to be more competitive this season with new Head Coach Gee Abanilla.
Having lost a few big names like JR Cawaling, Pipo Noundou, Aldrech Ramos and Chris Exciminiano for their roster of players this year, FEU is going for a third straight finals stint with the power combination of guards RR Garcia and terrence Romeo plus another trusty scorer, Mike Tolomia.
Adding height and muscle to the team are newcomers Anthony Hargrove and former DLSU Green Archers forward Arvie Bringas that will definitely bring the heat up on Sunday's match-up. Sophomores Sentcheu and Escoto will return as well to complete the whole team for the game.
I interviewed with FEU Head Coach Bert Flores about the FEU game and the upcomong clash with DLSU. Excerpts:
What was the effect to the team of the win over the Tigers last Saturday?
"Malaking bagay yung pagkapanalo nung first game para sa pag boost ng fighting spirit ng mga players, tapos ung confidence din kasi kahit papano, nag payout ung sobrang intense ng training for the past months. At lalo na sa rookies, mas tumaas yung self-esteem nila towards the next matches."
What was your assessment on the play of the Green Archers considering they have a new coach?
"Maganda ung pinakita nilang game last Sunday, siguro kasi maganda din ang system ng training nila having Coach Gee as Head Coach nila and as PBA Coaching Staff, at assistant coach pa nila si Jun Limpot. Tapos yung rookies nila, yun talaga ang dapat abangan."
Regarding the last game, what can you say about it? What did you tell them?
"Mmm, kulang pa rin, madami pang dapat iimprove, RR only had 7assists eh. Pero okay naman kasi nahabol nila nung 4th quarter. Sabi ko nga sakanila, 2points 2 points lang muna hanggang sa mahabol at eventually, nanalo naman ang kupunan natin."
What is the main advantage of the FEU Tamaraws?
"Una sa lahat eh ung mga experiences natin last year. At syempre ung mga point guards natin, si RR at Terrence and also the returning players and imports"
What is the game plan of the Tamaraws to defeat the Archers on their next game?
"Kailangan lang kontrolin at ma-dominate natin yung boards, pag nagawa natin makontrol ung rebounds, di nila masyado magagamit ang inside presence nila kasi at the same time, di sila mgkaka-transmission of offense."
Coach Bert Flores along with Assistant Coach Mike Oliver eyes to grab a second win of the season from the leading DLSU Green Archers (2win-0loss). The FEU Men's Basketball Team are ready to battle it out for the number one spot on the board with a solid game plan on Sunday.
