The majority of his players are still committed to playing with their school teams, so, at best, Hapee Coach Ronnie Magsanoc could only keep his fingers crossed and hope they stay healthy and energized for the tough battles ahead.
The Fresh Fighters are off to an impressive start, winning two in a row to open their campaign in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants Cup.
“We really haven’t had a practice session with a complete lineup, because most of the guys still have commitments with their school teams. Right now, I’m just relying on their skills level,” Magsanoc said.
Hapee looked like a work in progress in its victorious season opener—a 69-61 squeaker against newcomer AMA University—on Monday but played a lot better on Thursday in a 73-53 demolition of Tanduay Light.
Magsanoc visibly appreciated the progress, and hope his troops could stay sharp and solid in their quest for a third straight win on Monday against winless MJM Builders. Game time is set at 2 o’clock at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
“We played a lot better [than the first game]. But it will take full effort from everyone for us to keep winning,” Magsanoc declared.
Magsanoc said their immediate goal is to win as many games as they could this early to offset the impending departure of at least seven of his players, whose schools (San Beda and National University) are taking part in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.
Garvo Lanete and Bobby Ray Parks have been averaging 13 and 11 points, respectively, in their first two games and are expected to again figure prominently against the Builders (0-2), who are trying to avoid losing three in a row.
In the other games, Wang’s Basketball (1-1) tries to bounce back from its shocking loss against MP Hotel when it takes on Racal Motors (0-2) at 12 noon, while MP Hotel (1-1) looks to win two in a row, when it battles hard-luck AMA University (0-2) at 4 p.m.
