DESPITE two straight losses in NCAA season 93, Perpetual coach Jimwell Gican remains positive the Altas are capable of bouncing back.
“Medyo na-demoralize kami pero hindi ito ang dahilan (yung dalawang magkasunod na pagkatalo namin) para hindi na kami maglaro o para hindi na kami magtrabaho ng maayos sa team," he said
Instead of feeling down after setbacks against College of Saint Benilde and Jose Rizal University, Gican said the losses will only motivate the team to win and become better. The Altas defeated the Blazers, but the win was later forfeited after the team brought and wore the wrong set of uniform.
"Motivation itong nangyari sa amin. We have to work hard pa. Kailangan doble, triple, kailangan ibigay na namin lahat ng effort namin para manalo sa susunod," said Gican, who considered the losing skid a test of character for the team.
"Ang masasabi ko sa kanila [Perpetual] stay as one. Stay as one family. Not a team but as one family. Kailangan magtiwala lang sa sistema, magtiwala sa mga coaches, at magtiwala sila sa bawat isa, at sa Panginoon at I think fortunately makakabalik kami sa top," he added.
Gican admitted after Friday’s 54-68 rout at the hands of the Bombers that the Altas are still lacking the experience their opponents have despite the presence of veteran players in their roster.
"Siyempre bigyan pa rin ng credit ang JRU. Sa assessment ko magta-Top Four talaga 'yang team na 'yan kasi una experienced sila , kundisyon, tsaka sumasali sila sa PBA D-League. So over us, although may mga seniors din kami na beterano na rin, mas experienced pa rin sila.”
Perpetual will next face Mapua at the Cardinals’ home turf on July 20 as part of the NCAA On Tour this season.