Experiment? Scientist? Coach Aaron Velez has seen those tweets. And he's welcoming it.
First, it was Mylene Paat, Shaya Adorador, and EJ Laure scoring at will for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers against the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Then Mama P erupted for 26 points, with Pauline Gaston making eight in her debut for the Crossovers against the Army-Black Mamba Energy Drink Lady Troopers.
On Thursday against the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, Cza Carandang joined the scoring party as she pitched 10, along with Laure's 12, Adorador's 13, and Paat's 22.
Gaston, along with fellow newcomer Seth Rodriguez, were not called in despite fans' calls on social media.
Coach Aaron Velez though is shrugging off the detractors. They're standing at 3-0 after all, just second to defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers.
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa players and coaching staff. 'Di ba, nabansagan akong experimental coach," Velez said after the match against F2, prompting a look from Paat, who touched him on the arm with a silent laugh.
"Ang akin lang, just embrace it," he said.
During the 2021 Open Conference in Laoag, there was a barrage of criticism for Velez, who had a habit of constantly switching his rotations. This even led to five-set losses to the BaliPure Purest Water Defenders and the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors.
He did get the last laugh, as the Crossovers won the title with siblings Jaja and Dindin Santiago.
But the tags of "experiment" and "scientist" followed him as Chery Tiggo dropped to the bottom of the pack in the succeeding conferences.
Velez admitted he's seen the criticism, but he's not too bothered.
"Two sides of the story kasi sakin 'yung Laoag experience eh. Chine-cherish ko lahat," he said. "Kasi in any unpleasant situation, you have to look at the brighter side of it."
He's also thankful for the help from everyone in the team.
"Kailangan lang i-filter. Kaya andun 'yung coaching staff ko to remind me also kung tama ba 'yung nagiging diskarte ko," Velez shared.
He is also grateful that the players are willing to follow the so-called scientist's experiment.
"They allow me to be myself. Nagsa-submit sila sa magiging plano, and we stand by it."
Whatever his methods are, it's producing stunning results so far.