Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
PEGASUS head coach Jade Padrigao felt that his side got exactly what they needed from their gear up games against Team Miller over the weekend.
Brunei’s professional team lost the first match 95-92 on Saturday before falling 102-99 in the second the following day to a team led by PBA Legend Willie Miller at the BBA court in Batu Bersurat.
Padrigao highlighted after the game that the results didn’t matter and that their objectives were achieved.
“Since these were exhibition games, we wanted to play the local players more. At the same time, we really tried to win,” said Padrigao in an interview with BruSports News on Sunday.
“But that was not the first option as winning was not that important. What we were after is personal and team development,” he added.
“We will improve in the next few weeks and during the tournament (Thailand Basketball Super League) we can make teams suffer with our defence.
“Our local players are improving day by day. They just need confidence playing against these type of opponents as well as intensity. I have faith in them as they learn and improve with time,” continued the Filipino.
When asked on what he felt about the team’s chemistry, Padrigao replied: “It is pretty good and even off court they are bonding well eventhough we only had a few weeks of practice. We are going to get better with the tournament.”
Pegasus had all players on their roster available for the exhibition games except for Filipino import Leo Avenido.
Padrigao felt that it will be no issue when the veteran links up with his side in Thailand.
“Leo is already a veteran. Him not playing for the exhibition games opened up some slots for our local players to play and it was much needed,” he said.
“It is sort of a win for us that he wasn’t here yet. We will not depend only on our imports and hopefully our locals will step up,” concluded Padrigao.
Pegasus will be off to Thailand tomorrow morning and will make their pro debut against Makabayan Warriors of the Philippines on Saturday.
