Ramil de Jesus. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With F2 Logistics having all hands on deck this time, including its head coach, the Cargo Movers on Thursday open their best-of-three series with Petron for the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference title as the slight favorites.
The Blaze Spikers will come into the 7 p.m. game at Filoil Flying V Centre with top hitter Frances Molina still hurting, which could greatly tilt the balance of power especially with Ramil de Jesus back coaching the Cargo Movers.
De Jesus took a leave from the team in the Grand Prix earlier this year because of duties with La Salle in the UAAP.
“The team had its shortcomings in the last Grand Prix,” said De Jesus, who acted as consultant to head coach Arnold Laniog in that conference.
“[And] if they (Cargo Movers) will not give their full effort and play well, we will get the same result like we had in the Grand Prix,” De Jesus, who has the core of his La Salle team forming the F2 nucleus, went on.
“If they are thirsty for this title, the players have to show it inside the court.”
Shaq Delos Santos, meanwhile, believes that the mere presence of Molina alone can inspire the rest of the team. He also said that Molina, who has an injured shin, will be ready when called upon.
“It all boils down to the heart of the players because both teams are good skillwise and the coaches have their respective game plans,” said Delos Santos, who has a 2-1 edge in title series wins over De Jesus.
“Ces (Molina) is hurt, but she’s ready to go,” said Delos Santos, who will be squaring off with F2 for the fourth straight conference.
Meanwhile, Smart-Army and Cignal collide at 4:15 p.m. for the bronze medal.