Star Hotshots. PBA IMAGES
Star, the franchise that has changed names more than head coaches in the past three years, has been a testament to greatness since its days when it was still known as Coney Island.
In 2014, when the team was still known as the San Mig Coffee Mixers and was playing under the illustrious Tim Cone, the Hotshots went on an unprecedented run of four straight PBA titles including the Grand Slam.
Just two years after that feat, however, the Hotshots are playoff contenders at most and championships have been hard to come by as San Miguel reasserted itself as the greatest PBA power.
Cone’s successor Jayson Webb has failed to replicate the same glory of the winningest coach in PBA history, though he has managed to steer the Hotshots to playoff contention.
Marc Pingris, the Finals MVP in the 2013 Governors’ Cup, admitted he has been frustrated with the recent stumbles of the team saying their intimidation factor in 2014 is all but gone.
“Sobra talaga,” said Pingris of his frustrations Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum after their 100-92 overtime loss to Mahindra. “Sa tingin ko ah, minsan pag kalaban kami ng ibang players, sabihin nila ‘ah wala Star Hotshots lang yan.’ Parang ganun na yung dating sa akin.”
“Hindi katulad dati, paparating palang ako, ‘oy papanalunin niyo naman kami,’ gumaganun yung ibang players. Ngayon, kami yung nagsasabi ng ganun, ‘panalunin niyo naman kami.’”
Another thing missing from Star’s brilliant run in recent memory, Pingris said, is the team’s joy in playing the game.
Not only did Star impose its will to its opponents two years ago, it also exuded inspiration making the team the perfect image of the brand’s family-friendly vibe.
“Naglalaro lang kami para sa sarili namin,” said Pingris. “Wala na yung naglalaro kami na nag eenjoy kami, yung tiwala namin sa isa’t isa ganun.”
“So ayun talaga ang kailangang ibalik sa team.”