ANTIPOLO – The message of Magnolia coach LA Tenorio to his players inside the locker room after a stinging third straight defeat on Sunday was loud and clear.
Trust the process.
The Hotshots fell to 0-3 (win-loss) in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup after squandering a lead as high as 11 points and lost to Blackwater, 97-91 - their first loss to the Bossing since the 2021 Governors' Cup.
READ Blackwater, red-hot Barefield add to miseries of winless Magnolia
“It was really a heartbreak,” said Tenorio. “But again, I was telling the players to really just keep on fighting. A lot of work to do especially on, again, it's like putting a new system… Masyadong matagal ‘yung habits na meron sila. We just keep on working, telling the players to trust the process.”
Tenorio said he has belief that the Hotshots can soon turn the tide if they continue with their right attitude.
“We might not win this conference, may mga ganung bagay ‘yan, but down the road, we are going to get our share of wins as long as we continue on working and staying positive about it,” said Tenorio.
Tenorio said Magnolia has a relatively young squad with the likes of Zavier Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa now taking the reins, but he said the Hotshots are still in the learning stage.
“I want the players to stay positive all the time. We are really working hard in practice, no doubt. The thing is, siyempre, we have to translate it in the game. ‘Yung young team na ‘to, a lot of things that we need not only physically but mentally as well,” said Tenorio.
“They have to learn how to play down the stretch. This is a young team so what do you expect? What I like with this team is they work hard everyday. They're willing to learn. They're willing to get better every day. They are listening.”
The Hotshots remained winless on Sunday despite the all-around effort of import Nuni Omot, who had 38 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. Tenorio said he has also reminded the players that the locals must chip in as well.
“We are playing good basketball because of our import. So what is happening to us is not all about the import. That's what I'm telling my players… It's still the locals. They have to share doing the little things for the imports.
"That's what I've learned playing alongside a lot of good imports. It's not really all about the import. Maybe down the stretch, maybe, to give us a chance to win the game. But overall, in the game, it's not the import,” said the eight-time PBA champion.
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