After a grinded out 70-61 victory over the Mapua University Cardinals, Jose Rizal University head coach Louie Gonzales addressed the tournament officials’ decision on withdrawing the suspension imposed on point-guard JL Delos Santos.
Highlighting the importance of Delos Santos to the team, Gonzales is glad that the veteran guard got to suit up against the Cardinals.
“Si JL, he’s the leader of my team. He’s been with me for a long time, ito 'yung binuo naming player. So, malaki talaga pag nawala 'yang player na 'yan. Buti na lang, nakita talaga ng commissioner, and I commend the commissioner’s office for checking it out. Nakita naman talaga na JL did not hit anyone.”
(JL is the leader of my team. He's been with me for a long time. This is a player we groomed. It will be hard if he goes out. Good thing, the commissioner saw it and I commend his office for checking it out. It was seen that JL did not hit anyone.)
The floor general played 31 minutes in the win against Mapua, producing six points and six assists.
Nevertheless, according to the tactician, Delos Santos should have not been handed the supposed suspension in the first place.
“First thing’s first, alam kong dapat hindi suspended si JL. It happened in front of me, 'yung una niya pa lang dapat wala na eh,” said Gonzales.
(First thing's first, I know JL should not be suspended. it happened in front of me, the first one should not even be there.)
Additionally, the JRU mentor addresses claims that his team plays dirty.
“We play physical, but we don’t play dirty. Siguro that’s one thing na adjustment ng mga officials natin. I-scout din naman nila kung sino 'yung kalaban namin, kung kasama ba sa tactics to make us look na we play dirty.”
(That's one thing that our officials should adjust as well. Scout our opponents and determine if it is part of their tactics to make us look that we play dirty.)
The surging Heavy Bombers aim to pick up another win as they play the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals next on Friday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
