CEBU City coach Gilbert Castillo admits the Sharks are still trying to find their groove but is confident they will ready for the start of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Anta Datu Cup.
The MPBL formally opens on June 12, with Cebu City debuting against the Bacoor Strikers in Muntinlupa on June 21.
The Sharks have played several tuneup games, including a loss to the Pasay Voyagers at the Cuneta Astrodome, and Castillo admits they have a lot of work to do.
"Sa ngayon nag-aadjust pa talaga 'yung team kasi mago-one week pa lang kaming nakakarating sa Maynila eh kasi most of the players ko ay from Cebu. Medyo nangangapa pa talaga kami," said Castillo.
"Unang-una, 'yung depensa namin kailangan ma-improve kasi masyadong malalaki yung mga iniiscore sa'min ng kalaban. Kailangan sa practice trabahuhin na namin yun," he explained.
Cebu is counting on ex-pros Jondan Salvador, Cesar Catli and Erick Rodriguez to lead the team.
"'Yung inaasahan ko sa kanila 'yung leadership nila sa team dahil sila yung mas madami nang nalaro, leadership nila sa mga players na maturuan nila ng mga gagawin pag nasa loob sila," he said.
Rodriguez is returning to competitive basketball after a seven-year hiatus but is feeling good about his form and the team.
"Medyo lack kami sa pag-uusap sa loob kaya pagdating namin [veterans], sana medyo maa-adjust namin sila," explained Rodriguez.
"Malaking adjustment pa 'yung ginagawa namin sa team pero competitive naman sila lalo pa't nakumpleto na kami," he stated.
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