PLAYOFFS, TARGET NG BASILAN AALISIN ANG NEGATIVE IMAGE

UMAASA ang Basilan na makatirador ng dalawang ibon sa isang bato lamang sa pagkuha ng mga talented at bagong competitive team sa MPBL Lakandula Cup. “First, we would like to win more games this conference, make the playoffs and go all the way from there,” ayon kay Basilan Steel team manager Jackson Chua nang bumisita sa 27th “Usapang Sports” ng Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) sa National Press Club sa Intramuros noong Hunyo 20. “Second, and more importantly, we would like to showcase the beauty of Basilan and its friendly people,” dagdag ni Chua, kasama sina head coach Jerson Cabiltes, dating PBA standout Jonathan Uyloan, Dennis Daa, Gab Dagangon, Hessed Gabo, Jhaps Bautista at Chris Dumapig.

Aminado si Cabiltes na mahaharap ang Basilan sa mabigat na pagsubok bagamat negatibo pa rin ang pangalan ng probinsya dahil sa nangyaring gulo roon sa nakaraang ilang taon. Pero sisikapin ng coaching staff at players na harapin nila ang challenge. “Last year, the team finished second to the last in the Southern Division with a 7-18 win-loss record. We learned a lot of lessons, and we used it to form a championship-caliber team,” dagdag ni Cabiltes sa forum na live via Glitter Livestream sa Facebook. “I personally know most of the players in the team. They’re good players, so we have a good chance,” ayon naman kay Uyloan, “Parang magiging pangalawang utak ako ni coach sa loob ng court.” (MC)