ANTIPOLO – Eastern has been busy playing in the three leagues, but Glen Yang said the Hong Kong-based team isn’t using its whirlwind schedule as an excuse not to perform at a high level.
Eastern’s juggling act took another interesting turn on Sunday when its PBA game against Magnolia at the Ynares Center coincided with the start of the Hong Kong A1 Division Championship best-of-three series for third place back home.
Most of the top players, Yang included, suited up in the PBA on Sunday, while some local players stayed behind in Hong Kong.
READ Magnolia Hotshots avoid elimination with blowout win over Eastern
But those who played in the PBA on Sunday also came in from Hong Kong just a few days ago after playing in the best-of-three semifinals of the domestic league where Eastern were swept by Winling last January 21.
Eastern is no stranger to such difficult schedules as, a few weeks ago, the Hong Kong-based team also played games in the PBA, its domestic league, and the East Asia Super League (EASL) in one hectic stretch.
While he admitted that it has been a tiring stretch, Yang said he is cherishing the rare opportunity of competing in three different leagues, adding that it is something that might never happen again in his professional career.
“It’s been a crazy season, honestly,” said Yang. “It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime season. We’re playing in three leagues. A lot of these teams are just playing PBA.”
“Right now, our team is playing in the third-place game in Hong Kong, but obviously most of us, this is a more important game for us,” said Yang, referring to the PBA match-up. “So the young guys are playing [in Hong Kong].”
Eastern lost to Magnolia, 107-78, in the PBA match-up to fall to 7-4, dimming its chance at a twice-to-beat advantage come the playoffs. It later was defeated as well at the start of their battle-for-third against Fukien in the Hong Kong league.
Yang admitted they were totally outplayed as he gave credit to Magnolia for its readiness for the match, playing down fatigue as a reason for the loss.
“Magnolia played a tough game. They were physical. They were more physical. They looked like they wanted it more than us. We came out flat and it just kinda snowballed the whole game. We just couldn’t get a flow, honestly, offensively or defensively,” said Yang.
“So there's no excuse. We’re professionals, but obviously I think they’re a little more rested than us,” said Yang.
Test of character for Eastern
Yang said he is taking the hectic stretch with all the travel and multiple games across different leagues as a test of character for the ballclub.
“We flew here again two days ago. Half of us played in a Hong Kong playoff game four days ago. So we flew the next day. We had two EASL games before that. So I’m not going to say we’re tired, but our bodies are feeling it. So it’s just another challenge for us physically and mentally to take that next step,” Yang said.
The conditions will become better for Eastern with the Hong Kong domestic league about to wind down, and the EASL campaign down to its final elimination games unless the HK side advances to the Final Four.
Yang can't wait for the day when Eastern can give its PBA bid the undivided attention.
It would come just in time for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup where the team can only focus on essaying a good playoff run.
“We have one more important EASL game in Taiwan. So if we win that, we go to the Final Four. And then after that, it’s just straight PBA, which I think will be a blessing for us. We can really just focus, rest up, and make a playoff push for sure” said Yang.
"But we’re still very confident."
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