Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
REWIND back to the 28th of June last year, Easyway crushed D'Barkadz 121-56 in the group stages of the YOU.C1000 Cup.
Fast forward a year, both sides will battle for the crown in Brunei's biggest basketball tournament final on Saturday.
D'Barkadz made a full revamp of their roster and got coach Robert Rubillar on the sidelines.
"It was a very tough road getting to the final. We had to adjust every game we played considering we are still in a learning process on how to blend together since most of the roster are playing together for the first time.
"As the games became tougher, they became adaptive, well-rounded and became mentally tough to win," he added.
When asked on what to watch out for, Rubillar replied: "They are a very skilfull, young and talented team.
"We have to prepare for their transition offence and outside shooting which they are very capable of as a team," added Rubillar, who is in his third consecutive final.
Easyway look to stick to game plan
"We just have to follow our game plan and do what we do, and I am confident that we can match them. It's all about who wants it more," said Easyway's Jaron On.
"All their players are well experienced, and they fought hard to reach the finals.
"But are a young team that will show the audience what we can bring to the table for the new era," he added.
"We just have to play hard on defence and stick to our coach's plans in order for the championship to be within our reach," continued the 16-year-old, the youngest player of the final.
On managed to put up some good minutes in the semi-finals after their bigs got in foul trouble.
He is glad to have made an impact.
"It was definitely good exposure for me to get minutes in because the only way to improve my game is to play against more experienced players," said On.
"I am also truly grateful that the coach trusted me, and I think I did alright, but there's more to learn over time," he concluded.
The final is scheduled to tip off at 8.30pm.
