But as I’ve said in an earlier article, I still refuse to second guess this team and coach Sauler (something I have enjoyed doing in the past due to utter displeasure at the lack of improvement in those particular teams), because I still see a lot of improvement and huge strides being made. Jeron Teng slowly evolving into a team player, driving hard then dishing out passes to open shooters at the last minute. The much more confident Arnold Van Opstal, despite limited minutes due to being saddled with two early fouls, showing that he can go toe-to-toe with all the other teams’ big men. Thomas Torres and the other guards relentlessly pushing the ball not only after rebounding missed shots by UE but even after made baskets (I even saw the frustration on Thomas Torres’ face while gesturing for his teammate to pick up the ball and give a quick inbound pass on a few occasions). Matt Salem showing why he can be included in an already tight and reliable rotation. Our shooters like Vosostros and De La Paz proving yet again that once they hit their stride, they can consistently hit from the outside, especially in the clutch. And another surprise pulled out by coach Juno Sauler from his bag of tricks when he suddenly fielded in AVO and Norbert Torres at the same time (something he hasn’t done in the past few games) at around the 6 minute mark in the 3rd quarter which was instrumental in allowing the Archers to build that double digit lead. So with all that still keeping my spirits up, I know all the team needs is a little more fine-tuning. Which, suffice to say, is much better than needing a complete overhaul.
Before I end, I want to point out two images that struck me the most during yesterday’s game. I apologize if these images veer towards the emotional Green Archer fanatic in me, instead of the logical, analytical one. After De La Paz missed the second of his three free throws after being fouled while attempting a 3-point shot (he would miss all three), his face was covered in anguish as he looked at the bench to apologize. As all of us in the stands shook our heads, assistant coach Jun Limpot responded through hand gestures and the expression on his face, “Don’t beat yourself up about it, just keep shooting” (or something obviously very close to that). The other image was of the players gathering to sing our alma mater song, some after picking themselves up off the floor with their jerseys covering their faces in clear frustration. In all the games I’ve watched at the venues, this was the closest I had been to the team during the moment as we all begin to raise our arms with closed fists, standing a little less than 20 feet in front of them, close enough to see the different expressions of disappointment, heartbreak and frustration in their faces. This just made me sing our alma mater song with even more pride and fervor, knowing that the last thing our boys need is to be reminded of what they did wrong peppered with tones of pessimism.
I know that a lot of La Sallians out there still keep the faith, despite expecting nothing more than excellence, something inculcated in us by our alma mater, not just in sports but in all fields of life. And I’ll be the first to press the panic button or say “Sige, next year nalang” when the time for that is right. Now is definitely not the time for that. I also know when it’s time to start doubting the team’s character and clamoring for drastic changes. But now is the time to still keep on believing that this team will grow into the cohesive unit that will meet the high standard of excellence we all yearn for. I trust the system and team character/culture that coach Sauler is gradually instilling, as much as I’m sure the players do. And this season will technically be longer than usual, due to the upcoming break due to the FIBA tournament; a break a team like ours can take full advantage of. So with two wins and three losses (with all three being tightly contested games), I offer my final silver lining: At this point I’d take the headline “Another La Salle Meltdown” over one that says “Lasalle Suffers Yet Another Blowout” any day.