Surging Barako battles cellar-dwelling Ginebra

Surging Barako battles cellar-dwelling Ginebra





Barako Bull consultant Rajko Toroman and the Energy Cola hope to close in on league-leading Alaska. Jerome Ascano
RAJKO Toroman is happy that
everyone in the team is buying into his system, which is one of the
biggest reasons why Barako Bull is enjoying a strong start.

Now Barako Bull (3-1) has an opportunity continue the surge and seize
solo second spot when it clashes with winless Barangay Ginebra San
Miguel (0-4) in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at the Smart
Araneta Coliseum.

“The situation is much better because we have some more players to
rotate. We believe that once this team steps in the court, because they
believe in the system, we will be okay,” said Toroman, whose team eyes
its fourth victory in five starts in their 7:30 p.m. game against the
Gin Kings.

What draws a smile on the face of the usually stoic Barako Bull
consultant is the never-say-die spirit his boys have been displaying
recently.

Twice this conference, Barako Bull entered the fourth period trailing by 10 points.

But led by import Evan Brock’s defensive hustle as well as timely
baskets from Toroman’s key players Josh Urbiztondo, Mark Macapagal and
Jonas Villanueva, the Energy Cola beat the Globalport Batang Pier in
overtime, 98-88 on Feb. 10, followed by a 91-86 win against Air21 last
week.

“They make mistakes, of course because it’s not a process of one
month, but when we want to fix everything, it’s about six months of
preparation, but step by step, everything is falling into place,” added
Toroman.

In the eve of their game against the Energy Cola, Jayjay Helterbrand
remains optimistic the Gin Kings could overcome their struggles this
conference.

“We’re just in the same situation as before (referring to 2008 Fiesta
Conference). Our morale is a little bit down. But our coaches told us
to stay positive and continue to work hard,” Helterbrand told Spin.ph
after the team’s practice at Xavier gym in San Juan.

Even though the Gin Kings are coming off a 69-84 loss to unbeaten
Alaska Aces, Helterbrand said he’s thankful that new coach Alfrancis
Chua continues to encourage him to take those shots when the opportunity
is there.

“Coach told us that if we’re open, take the shot. You miss a hundred
percent of the shot you don’t take as they say. Even us locals must
knock down shots also, especially me. As a team we’re not shooting very
well. Hope what we’re doing will click,” added the 36-year-old veteran
point guard.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava


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