National University head coach Roger Gorayeb. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
National University was supposed to be the team to challenge eventual champions De La Salle University and Ateneo in the 78th Season of the UAAP.
What happened, however, was the Lady Spikers battling the Lady Eagles in the Finals for the fifth straight time, Far Eastern University making the Final Four interesting with its duel against La Salle, and the upstarts-laden University of the Philippines providing the season’s surprise as the Lady Maroons became the fourth seed.
As for the Lady Bulldogs, they became just afterthoughts after dropping out of the Final Four, finishing the tournament as the fifth seed.
All their struggles were left in the rear-view mirror now as Lady Bulldogs head coach Roger Gorayeb changed the mentality of his team.
From a squad capable of contending, Gorayeb instilled in his Lady Bulldogs that they are volleyball players and nothing more.
“Binalik ko yung saya, siyempre di mo naman maiaalis na ang daming fans ng team especially the seniors, ang gusto kong tumakbo sa mga isip nila ay para silang mga bagong volleyball player na nagsisimula pa lang,” said Gorayeb Saturday as NU beat Laoag 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21 in the opening match of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference.
“Si Aiko [Urdas] nga nagbabago na, si Jorelle [Singh] sumasaya.”
What is Gorayeb’s recipe for his team’s newfound happiness? Basic training.
With his team diminished to 11, from 18 in the UAAP, Gorayeb had no choice but to bring back the basics.
“Sabi ko balik ko to sa umpisa, basic training, as in basic na basic,” said Gorayeb.
With a roster of 11 players, Gorayeb can’t have his team go through full six-on-six scrimmages.
Another thing Gorayeb did was give his players time to bond with themselves and strengthen the team’s camaraderie.
“Ginawa kong maging masaya yung atmosphere ng team, kung dati tingin nila sa isa’t isa player lang, ngayon ang turingan nila ay parang magkakapatid, masayang masaya sila.”