Lack of cohesion as a unit scratched Mapúa’s summer league stints

(FCF File Photo / Vyn Radovan)

Sensing that the squad he inherited was not fit to compete as the Mapúa Cardinals, newly-installed head coach Fortunato “Atoy” Co, Jr. made a radical move that was a complete headscratcher from the viewpoint of both pundits and fans alike.

In a lengthy interview with the first-time collegiate head coach, the former Mapua Cardinals guard from 1970-72 explained that he had to lay the groundwork for the team: hiring assistant coaches, observing the system put into place by the departed Chito Victolero, and assessing the squad’s capability to work as a unit.

But when the 1971 NCAA MVP noticed that his squad wasn’t playing in sync as a unit, he had to make a tough decision that led to the Cardinals’ absence in both major collegiate summer leagues, Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup and Father Martin’s Summer League.

“All the players was just playing just for themselves, not to win,” said Co. “It’s like they didn’t care whether (the team) lost or won. Ang pangit, that’s what I felt.”

“(That happened) around February. How could I form (a team) and change the minds of the players that they are playing for Mapúa? It’s not me, it’s not (Kenneth) Ighalo, it’s not (Mark) Braña, it’s not (Joseph) Eriobu. It’s Mapúa (we are representing).”

Hence, instead of weeks filled with tuneup games in both pre-season leagues throughout the course of summer, it was back to basics for the Intramuros-based institution.

“I’m still in the process of instilling discipline, moral values. Kasi basketball is not all about winning, but it’s about disciplining your players,” noted the PBA legend who was part of the legendary Crispa Redmanizers.

Despite maintaining most of the key players from last year’s squad, the Cardinals will stand to lose promising forward Gab Banal, swingman Josan Nimes, and senior guard Andretti Stevens this season.

The former youth national team standout and cousin of former Mapúa guard Jonathan decided to forego his stay with the Cardinals, and will instead focus on a stint in the PBA D-League in preparation for a pro career.

Nimes, who won  rookie of the year plum in 2011, suffered a slipped disc on his back and will sit out the entire season in order to recuperate in time for Season 90.

On the other hand, senior guard Stevens suffered a freak accident that led him to tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on his knee. Previously, the spitfire combo guard also tore the ACL of his left knee in 2011.

With the loss of Stevens for the season, last season’s top rebounder Kenneth Ighalo has been tapped as the team’s captain for Season 89.

The Industrial Engineering major playing in his final season takes on a leadership role for a squad that has missed Final Four berths in the last two seasons.