CONVERGE coach Aldin Ayo does not regret his decision to bench import Quincy Miller in one of their games, which started their losing streak that ended their campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Ayo on Quincy Miller benching
Ayo said he stands by that decision even as the FiberXers slumped to four straight defeats since the Miller benching including on Saturday when they were eliminated by San Miguel, 120-107, in the quarterfinals.
Ayo said discipline is needed to such a young professional team, and the decision was supported by upper management.
“Yes,” said Ayo when asked if he stands by with the decision on Saturday. “Even the management. Even Boss Dennis, Maam Grace, they supported that. Kasi ‘yun ang gusto naming ma-instill na culture dito sa team. Even though nasa pro, the very reason kung bakit nagko-compete is because nag-prepare eh. If you take away that, paano ka magko-compete. Crucial ‘yun eh especially if you are coaching a young team.”
Miller was benched after missing practice after celebrating his 30th birthday on the eve of their game against NorthPort last November 20. They lost, 112-97.
Ayo noted the importance of attending practices with a young team.
“These players are standout players nung naglalaro sila sa college. Pero they came from different systems, different programs na may kulang pero kailangang punuan. Para mapunuan, all you have to do is to practice. Kailangan naming trabahuin ‘yung mga kulang,” said Ayo.
Aware of the sentiment of some about his decision to bench Miller, Ayo said he had already said prior to the NorthPort game that Converge’s overall play is on a slump despite being on a winning streak.
Ayo said he also doesn’t believe that a win over NorthPort is even a sure thing even with Miller around.
“And kung ‘yun ang iniisip ng mga tao because of that, well, consistent naman ako na kahit nananalo, pababa na kami ng pababa. At bakit nila minamaliit ang NorthPort? Lakas lakas nun eh.
“Talagang talo kami doon. Even if naglaro dun si Q, are you sure na talagang mananalo kami? Wala ka namang kailangan maliitin na team dito sa PBA. Lahat malalakas eh. And kahit tignan nila ‘yung players ng NorthPort, sino ang magsasabi na wala silang players. Ang gagaling ng mga ‘yun,” said Ayo.
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