AS the tallest import in the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Croatian Bruno Sundov has to be reminded time and again of the need to adopt a mentality of intimidation for Rain or Shine to be considered one of the legitimate title contenders in the mid-season offering.
At 7-foot-3, coach Yeng Guiao expects Sundov to be more of a defensive threat in the middle who could intimidate opponents with his sheer presence alone.
“Ang kulang lang sa import namin, he just has to understand that he’s the tallest guy on the court so he could be intimidating. If he’s not blocking shots, at least he’s intimidating on the court. Yun kasi ang kailangan namin,” said deputy Caloy Garcia, who called the shots in lieu of head coach Yeng Guiao during the Painters' exhibition match against defending champion San Mig Coffee Friday at the oven-hot Reyes gym in Mandaluyong City.
“Coach Yeng talked to Bruno this morning, and was telling him about his role in the team. Since this will be a short tournament, we have to rely on our import,” added Garcia.
(For pictures of the tune-up match, here's the link: Gallery.)
Guiao missed out on the game as he had to attend to a meeting in Pampanga since Thursday.
He failed to see Sundov drop 21 points, dominate the boards with 16 rebounds, and block three shots in a 93-82 win over the Mixers.
The Elasto Painters are so far 1-1 in tune-up matches the last two days, losing to Meralco Bolts Thursday, 98-106, in a game that saw Sundov hit 32 points and grab 10 rebounds.
Aside from explaining the role Sundov has to play in the conference featuring imports of unlimited height, Garcia said Guiao also reminded the Elasto Painters to forget the embarrassing 4-0 sweep the team suffered at the hands of three-time champion Talk `N Text during the recent Philippine Cup Finals.
“Iyan ang ni-remind ni coach sa amin na tapos na yun (Finals). Now we look forward to winning as many games as possible since this is a very short tournament,” said Garcia.
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SOURCE: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/painters-coach-guiaos-order-to-7-3-sundov-intimidate-and-dominate
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