BY MILES ARCENAL
SAN Sebastian may have lost all but one of its first four games to open the NCAA Season 101, but coach Rob Labagala isn’t dwelling on it – instead, he believes it’s something they can build on.
“I cannot say it’s a slow start,” said Labagala.
“I can say na we’re able to experience yung championship type of team. Talagang on our part yung experience kailangan naming ma-gain.”
READ: Mapua gets back to winning ways with rout of San Sebastian
The Stags earned their first win in a thrilling double-overtime duel against Lyceum, a victory that showed the potential of his young squad under pressure.
But their most recent outing two days later ended in a 49-70 loss to Mapua – a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
“Good thing we were able to get our first win, and against Lyceum pa,” Labagala said.
“It goes to show kung gaano yung klase ng trabaho na kailangan naming gawin. In terms of strength, yun talaga. So it’s a challenge for us, mapantayan namin kung anong klase ng laro sa NCAA.”
Despite the growing pains, Labagala likes what he’s seeing.
“The way we’re playing, I’m happy. We’re able to execute, ang layo na ng napupuntahan namin. Even in our offense and defense, but what we’re lacking right now is experience and strength. Those are the things we’ll find a way to improve.”
As the Stags prepare to face teams in the so-called’ ‘Group of Death’ where powerhouse programs await, Labagala sees the next phase as both a test and a chance to measure growth.
“Confident ako. We’re able to [gain] experience in the last four games within our group. Going up to the second group, hopefully what we learned from here, we will bring it towards doon sa second round,” he said.
“Mas malalakas yung nandoon, so the more naming kailangan mag-challenge at mag-hardwork.”
Despite being tagged as a rebuilding team, Labagala remains firm about their end goal.
“The goal doesn’t change,” he said.
“You may say we’re young or we’re at the bottom, but the goal will never change - we are up for the championship. Whatever other people say, it’s up to us. The goal will never change.”
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