DESPITE THEIR 21-point loss to the reigning DLSU Green Archers last Sunday, the UST Growling Tigers’ youngbloods remain upbeat about their performance and are bent on polishing a key aspect that they think will allow them to contribute to their team.
Rookie winger Amiel Acido dropped nine points, all from the three-point land in 16 minutes of play. Meanwhile, high-flyer Isaac Danting earned five markers in just six minutes during his debut.
But despite solid gameplay in limited minutes, the two rookies said they aim to improve more on what they felt was the most needed for the team.
”What I look forward to is not just the offensive side, but also the defensive side… It is what I remind myself during games,” Danting told The Flame.
“As I have always been told, defense is the best offense,” he added.
This sentiment was echoed by long-range threat Acido, saying the España squad must communicate more in defense to win games.
“The adjustments we need is communication, most especially on defense. During the game we had problems on rebounds… so more effort and more eager to win,” the former NCAA juniors MVP Acido said.
“As a rookie, I need to improve my defense… I need to add more pressureso they can feel my presence on the court,” he added.
The high-flyer Danting never stepped on the court until their fifth game against the Archers, where he was called to open the match as a starter.
“I got my confidence from my teammates inside the floor, the coaches… especially Forth (Padrigao) who gave me confidence to keep on shooting, because what’s important for him is the defense,” he added.
Both UST rookies aim to help their title-hungry squad go back in the win column when they face last year’s runner-ups UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the same venue. F – Brent Richmond Angelo Sagre
When you see a mismatch beside you( between dribbling opponent and your teamate), especially at the post,shout FIRE,so the one near you will help you as you leave while you put water on action.A poke on the ball will distract him but a weak help could provoke him so you better make it strong and immediate but not so much to make a foul.A good Triangle defense inflicts confusion and a possible steal and turnovers.