WHILE trying to grapple with the ill-effects of the pandemic, Terrafirma also has to deal with its internal problems.
Coach Johnedel Cardel yesterday said he has spent much of the time since the PBA was forced by the virus to put the Governors Cup games on hold to try and set straight the mind of import Antonio Hester.
“Kinakausap ko siya dahil ang laki ng difference ng laro niya from the first two games niya,” related Cardel, referring to the 34 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists Hester posted as averages after his first two games.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanya, ‘First and second games some people consider you as a prime candidate for the Best Import. But then things changed,’” added Cardel.
Indeed, Hester could only norm 22.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in Terrafirma’s next three games which the Dyip all lost that relegated them to a 1-4 slate.
“Inaamin naman niyang nag-dip talaga performance niya and he also promised to bounce back once na nag-resume na tayo.”
It’s not just Hester who’s been occupying Cardel’s mind as negotiations with Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Roosevelt Adams, whose contracts expired at the end of last month, are still ongoing.
“Hindi ako talagang nakikipag-usap sa kanila kundi si (team manager) Ron Tubid,” offered Cardel.
“Pero ang sabi ko kay manager, kung maaayos, ayusin natin. Kung hihingi ng malaki wala tayong magagawa. Pero sana ma-realize nila na sa sitwasyon ngayon mahirap magbigay ng malaki team namin. Hindi naman kami tulad ng ibang malaking teams.”
If those talks go nowhere, Cardel is still prepared to make do with the people he has.
“Sanay na naman tayo doon, na hindi mo alam kung sino player na nandiyan at p’wede mong gamitin,” said Cardel. “Basta sa amin, kapag maganda laro mo magsasawa ka sa playing time.”
