MAPUA played exactly the way coach Atoy Co had envisioned it to prior to the season, and that gives them a reason to hope moving forward.
The depth of the Cardinals was in full display as they opened their NCAA Season 94 with a 72-60 win over the Jose Rizal University of Heavy Bombers last Thursday.
The Cardinals got contributions across the board with eight players scoring atleast six points in their big away win.
For Co, there's no such thing as a defined role in his squad this season.
"Kasi I've been telling them talagang everybody has to score. Player ka eh. Ayaw ko ng role player na dedepensa ka lang. Pag nalibre ka, you should know how to score," said Co
"That’s what I like about this team, talagang everybody contributes, even in defense," Co added.
"Kasi pag lahat kami ng contribute ng (at least) eights points nasa sampu maglalaro, di sisenta na, pag umiskor ka ng 80 pataas, (tapos) malamang good defense, panalo ka eh."
This is the perfect solution for Co who knows that unlike other teams, they don't have a definite go-to guy.
If they can keep this up, they won't be needing a superstar.
"Wala naman talaga kaming player na superstar di ba? Lahat kami average lang yung player. The more I tell them they have to play as a team para manalo kami," Co said..
"Kasi wala naman tayong go-to go guy, wala naman LeBron James di ba? Sana meron kaming Steph Curry."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph