Both teams have won all four of their preseason games.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Magnolia Hotshots remain unscathed in the PBA On Tour preseason games as both teams notched win number 4 on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. The coaches of the undefeated teams, however, made it clear that neither of them is getting carried away.
“It's always nice to win of course, pero at the same time, we don't want to fall into a false sense of confidence," Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said after his squad’s dominant 121-95 win over the Terrafirma Dyip, as quoted by the PBA.
"Akala mo magaling ka na, eh hindi pa naman totohanan ito. So mahaba pa 'yan, malayo pa."
Magnolia mentor Chito Victolero echoes the fiery drillmaster’s assessment.
“Hindi ito 'yung gauge naman. Hindi ito 'yung kung ano ang tatakbuhin namin ngayon, hindi basehan ito para 'yun din ang tatakbuhin namin for the regular season," the veteran tactician explained following the Hotshots' 91-80 triumph over the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Amid their humble takes regarding their clubs’ early success, both Guiao and Victolero acknowledged the importance of their team’s commendable performances heading into the 48th season of the PBA.
For the 2018 PBA Coach of the Year awardee, the Hotshots’ main goal is to become fully prepared for the upcoming conferences, beginning with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“We want to build, and magkaroon kami ng progression dun sa mga ginagawa namin at magkaroon ng improvement," Victolero divulged.
"I-build 'yung confidence ng mga player, 'yung chemistry nila. 'Yan 'yung mga gusto naming ma-practice."
Likewise, the seven-time PBA champion coach strictly treats the PBA On Tour games as part of his team’s overall preparation.
"Ang importante 'yung nakakapaglaro kami, to gain experience, to learn, to validate ourselves, gain more confidence, and be able to run our system," Guiao pointed out.
Rain or Shine and Magnolia will hope to see their impressive preseason campaigns translate seamlessly this October when the new PBA season begins.
(CF)