They’re called the Enforcers and their new coach wants them to assert that authority on the defensive end.
Chris Gavina, the interim coach of Mahindra, said Friday at Arellano University the Enforcers will be known as a defensive-minded team come the PBA Governors’ Cup, a change in identity after it finished ninth in the league after the eliminations.
Mahindra’s defense was the one to blame for its 4-7 record after placing in the bottom-half of the league in points allowed, something Gavina wants to change as he holds fort for head coach Manny Pacquiao.
“We’re definitely defensive minded first, it’s like I always emphasize in practice,” said Gavina after their tune-up game against Ginebra. “It’s no matter how we shoot, or how we execute on offense if we can’t stop the other team in the defensive end.”
“We were awful in giving up fastbreak points.”
Gavina’s first game in charge of Mahindra, however, did not go as planned as Ginebra handed the Enforcers an 85-69 loss.
Mahindra did not have the semblance of a top-tier defensive team like Alaska or San Miguel as Ginebra went crazy in transition, proving Gavina’s goal to establish his team’s defensive mindset.
“Our level of focus on defense wasn’t there as a cohesive unit, certain individuals showed it and they played with passion but we have to improve as a team.”