A frustrating experience during Don Dulay's playing career has become the driving force behind the sheer dominance of the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the MPBL.
Asked about the secret to the team's flawless 15-0 win-loss season so far, Nueva Ecija coach Don Dulay disclosed that a mission to change the dynamics in team basketball has transformed into something extraordinary for the team.
"Honestly, I had an unfortunate experience when I was a player. There exists a culture of favoritism and hierarchy within teams where the stars and those with influential connections are given preferential treatment and opportunities," Dulay shared in a brief conversation with SPIN.ph.
"I am not asserting that it was the sole reason for my short-lived career as a player, but it is likely that this culture played a role," stated the LA-raised athlete.
Dulay revealed that upon assuming leadership of Nueva Ecija's bench, he promptly instituted fairness and equal treatment among his players.
"When I took over, I conveyed to my players, 'You may be a star, an All-Star, a scoring machine, or a fan favorite, but within this team, you are no different from others'," he explained.
"I desire equal opportunity for all of you. I want player number one to be equivalent to players two through fifteen," added Dulay, who was a teammate of Mike Cortez and Tony Dela Cruz at Carson High School in California.
Team-oriented basketball defines Nueva Ecija play
The 44-year-old coach, who played for Rain or Shine and Alaska during his four-year stint in the PBA before transitioning to the ABL with the Singapore Slingers, emphasized that basketball has always been a team sport, akin to gears in a machinery, each playing a role for a greater purpose.
With Nueva Ecija's performance embodying selfless basketball and effectively accumulating victories, Dulay hopes this approach will inspire other teams to also put premium on equal opportunity and treatment to every player.
"I was not accustomed to this favoritism. Not because one player is more popular than another, does it mean they should be treated superiorly? That is not how it should be," he asserted.
"You must earn your position; you must learn to play within a system," he remarked.
Needless to say, Dulay and Nueva Ecija's 'equal opportunity' system has led to the Rice Vanguards' one-sided dominance of the regional league.
When asked if he believes Nueva Ecija now possesses the capability to secure the championship, Dulay expressed confidence.
"As long as we maintain cohesion, mutual respect, and motivation to succeed, I have no doubt this team will remain focused," he affirmed.
Dulay also expressed gratitude to the team's patrons, led by businessman Bong Cuevas, former Palayan City Mayor Rianne Cuevas, their son Ivan and daughter Vianne, currently the mayor of Nueva Ecija's capital.
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"I am certain that a major reason for our players' refusal to lose is because of the generosity of our supporters. I appreciate how Boss Bong and his family give us autonomy in managing the team," he stated.
"They may possess basketball knowledge, especially Boss Bong, but he never intervenes or dictates anything during the game or even in practice. He consistently ensures that the team is well-cared for," Dulay said.
So supportive are the Cuevases, through Megabet, that they would personally check to see if the team is booked in fine hotel rooms and decent billeting and they would usually check on the food and nourishment of the players.
“Whenever we play in far-flung areas, they would see to it that we get good hotel rooms so all of us can rest and recover,” he said.
"Even when we face weaker teams, they still come out to watch and support us. That represents genuine support and admiration for the entire team. We pledge to reciprocate their kindness and care," said the Fil-American coach.
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