Jose Rizal University's narrow 92-89 win against Arellano University on Wednesday was a testament to how young the team is, but head coach Louie Gonzalez remains defiant as the Heavy Bombers continue their search for identity in NCAA Season 100.
The Heavy Bombers nearly saw their 11-point lead get blown away by the Chiefs, but Gonzalez' wards hung tough down the stretch, thanks to an endgame composure led by their leaders Joshua Guiab and Shawn Argente, as well as rookie star MJ Raymundo.
"It is just a testimony na bata itong team na ‘to. Last year, ‘yung mga naglalaro sa endgame wala na silang lahat eh," Gonzalez said.
"So they’re new to the role. Ako, hindi ko naman ipinapa-realize sa kanila ‘yan kasi malaki ang tiwala ko sa mga players ko na they’re built na for that already."
Guiab rose to the occasion and proved his leadership following the departures of Agem Miranda, JL Delos Santos, Marwin Dionisio, and Ry Dela Rosa who were their usual suspects last season.
The 6-foot-3 bruiser showed up when it mattered most, burying 15 of his overall output in the crucial fourth quarter to end what Raymundo and Argente started in the first half.
For Gonzalez, his squad may be young, but he is glad to have a solid stabilizer on the floor in Guiab.
"Who’s the main character of this team right now? I think it will be Joshua."
Guiab, for his part, stressed he's only after fulfilling the role that the coaching staff gave him.
"Wala naman akong ibang iniisip kung hindi makatulong lang sa team. Ginawa ko lang ‘yung role ko para sa team," he said.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
