SAN Mig Super Coffee star guards James Yap and PJ Simon refused to dwell on coach Tim Cone’s decision to bench them for the most part of the second half of the team's 76-86 loss to Talk ‘N Text in Game Two of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday night.
Having played for two years under the American mentor, they both know the decision was for the best.
“Alam na namin, kilala na namin si coach,” said Simon, who played just 25 minutes after playing five more in Game One. “Alam na namin ginagawa niya kaya wala namang problema sa amin.”
It wasn't exactly the first time it had happened, the veteran guard added.
“Napakaraming playoffs na rin na nangyari ‘yun, so walang problema,” added the soft-spoken guard, who finished with just four points.
Still, Yap seemed disappointed over the loss that evened the best-of-five series at one game apiece as the two-time MVP, who played just 18 minutes and scored a measly six points, was hesitant to grant an interview after the game.
“Diskarte ni coach ‘yun,” was Yap’s curt reply before politely declining to answer further questions.
Nevertheless, Simon expects more playing time for both him and Yap in Game Three on Tuesday.
“Oo naman (more minutes). Makikita naman ni coach yung flow ng game, so kung kaya talaga naming i-push yung sarili namin, at makikita naman niya sa body language namin kung talagang kaya pa.”
“Tiwala naman kami kay coach,” Simon added.
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