SO MUCH FOR THE ADVANTAGE – oct.1, 2007
DLSU defeated ADMU 65-60 last Sunday to set up an encounter with UE on Thursday for the UAAP finals. DLSU won only two out of five meetings with ADMU this year – but in crucial and destiny-setting situations. Its DLSU’s victory in third meeting that saved them from unnecessary peril. The team’s mental toughness is legendary as it is unbeatable in twice-to-beat conditions (10 out of 10). It made the finals despite having a so-so lineup not the kind that dominated UAAP in late 90s and early this decade. Their achievement is proof of superior coaching. The team lacks both height and talent – but has the attitude and mental toughness to make up for it. I think it’s their hard work and strong belief in themselves that carried them against ADMU. Another reason for me not to put too much emphasis on stats as it is a historical record in a given time period besides it does not take into account a team’s determination and motivation.
ADMU is a showy and complacent team but a tall and talented one at that. Their underachievement is unbelievable. I reckon the Eagles is more talented and will be more menacing to UE than the Archers. Just look at their frontline Arao, Baclao, and Laterre – they are tall and powerful players that could do a lot of damage to UE. ADMU is on their way to becoming like FEU of Santos-Ysip-Barcellano-Rizada era. The FEU squad powered its way to three championship (including one which was stripped from DLSU) BY DOMINATING THE PAINT –blocking shots and controlling the rebounds (remember the 2003 championship against ADMU?).
UAAP should have given the season sweeper a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals like NCAA. It will take a lot for UE to shrug off rust after 2-week hiatus. Their opponent is well rested and sharp as well. So they entered the Finals immediately so what? It is not as if they won already, there is a possibility they could still lose. The step-ladder playoffs should be quickened if the other teams have to play almost everyday so be it – this should be their punishment for failing to stop a runaway team. Instead UAAP was not too much in a hurry unlike the PBA were the lower seeded teams suffer for their failure to win enough games in the classification. The lower seeded teams were given enough time to relax and thanks to the schedule should be sharper than the no.1 seed that has been collecting dust on the wayside. Building a perfect record in college basketball is a monumental achievement that should be given its due reward.
DLSU defeated ADMU 65-60 last Sunday to set up an encounter with UE on Thursday for the UAAP finals. DLSU won only two out of five meetings with ADMU this year – but in crucial and destiny-setting situations. Its DLSU’s victory in third meeting that saved them from unnecessary peril. The team’s mental toughness is legendary as it is unbeatable in twice-to-beat conditions (10 out of 10). It made the finals despite having a so-so lineup not the kind that dominated UAAP in late 90s and early this decade. Their achievement is proof of superior coaching. The team lacks both height and talent – but has the attitude and mental toughness to make up for it. I think it’s their hard work and strong belief in themselves that carried them against ADMU. Another reason for me not to put too much emphasis on stats as it is a historical record in a given time period besides it does not take into account a team’s determination and motivation.
ADMU is a showy and complacent team but a tall and talented one at that. Their underachievement is unbelievable. I reckon the Eagles is more talented and will be more menacing to UE than the Archers. Just look at their frontline Arao, Baclao, and Laterre – they are tall and powerful players that could do a lot of damage to UE. ADMU is on their way to becoming like FEU of Santos-Ysip-Barcellano-Rizada era. The FEU squad powered its way to three championship (including one which was stripped from DLSU) BY DOMINATING THE PAINT –blocking shots and controlling the rebounds (remember the 2003 championship against ADMU?).
UAAP should have given the season sweeper a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals like NCAA. It will take a lot for UE to shrug off rust after 2-week hiatus. Their opponent is well rested and sharp as well. So they entered the Finals immediately so what? It is not as if they won already, there is a possibility they could still lose. The step-ladder playoffs should be quickened if the other teams have to play almost everyday so be it – this should be their punishment for failing to stop a runaway team. Instead UAAP was not too much in a hurry unlike the PBA were the lower seeded teams suffer for their failure to win enough games in the classification. The lower seeded teams were given enough time to relax and thanks to the schedule should be sharper than the no.1 seed that has been collecting dust on the wayside. Building a perfect record in college basketball is a monumental achievement that should be given its due reward.
No comments:
Post a Comment