For the Arellano Chiefs, chemistry is something that they would work on after failing to enter the NCAA Season 98 Final Four.
The Chiefs ended their campaign with seven wins and eleven losses and while they may have their own share of lapses, rookie standout Cade Flores admitted they need time to gel well.
"You gotta find that chemistry among the boys that you play with, but it's kinda difficult when you get straight into the pressure of the NCAA," Flores said in a post-game interview after falling to Emilio Aguinaldo College in overtime, 63-62.
"We had a lot of lapses, whether it would be some people having attitude, whether it would be myself or other people in the team. We just need time to gel, like first season, 12 or 13 rookies I think? That's basically the whole team."
Axel Doromal, meanwhile, admitted they could have done more after losing their close games.
"Nanghihinayang kasi we could have done more pa. Ang dami naming lapses, konting lapses sa previous games namin. [Ang] dami naming close game. Nanghihinayang talaga tapos pag second round sunod-sunod pa 'yung injury ng mga key players namin. Wala, sayang."
Despite these, both players are optimistic when they return for Season 99.
"I wish we'll come back next year — stronger," Flores said.
Doromal, on the other hand, said he would focus on improving his leadership skills on top of his on-court skills.
"Siguro next season, mas mag-adjust pa ko for the team. Mas magiging leader ako para sa papasok kasi I think ako yung pinakamatagal nang matitira sa team. Siguro mas mag-focus ako sa weaknesses ko this season. Gusto kong iworkout yon sa mga susunod na weeks," Doromal said.
"Siguro naman magiging maganda [ang] team namin next season kasi sabi nga ni Cade, nagkulang kami sa gel ng team kasi kulang preparation namin."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News