Under new coach, Pasaol, UE need time to figure out roles

UE’s Alvin Pasaol gestures after hitting a three against UP. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

University of the East star Alvin Pasaol admitted the Red Warriors are still adjusting to new coach Joe Silva’s system.

Last season, UE relied heavily on Pasaol, who was a one-man wrecking crew for the Warriors.

But with added experience and new pieces, UE is now looking to share the wealth and alleviate some load off Pasaol with Silva, who replaced Derrick Pumaren at the helm four months ago, calling the shots.

“Siguro mas sharing, mas binibigay na namin yung bola sa ibang players para maka-contribute sila. Ayon nahihirapan pa siguro sila sa role nila ngayon,” said Pasaol, whose 49-point explosion was one of the highlights last season.

(We’re now looking to share the load and give the ball to the other players so they can also contribute. I guess they’re still struggling with their new roles.)

The third-year forward still wound up as the lone Warrior in double-digit scoring with 14 points, 11 of which coming in the first half, in an 87-58 blowout loss to UP.

Pasaol, however, shot only 5-of-18 from the field as he struggled mightily in the last two quarters where UE also crumbled after staying in step with UP in the first half.

But dropping just its first game of the season won’t shake Pasaol, who is confident the Red Warriors will be able to get their acts together in the coming games.

“Still fine. Maganda naman pinakita namin sa second half despite na tambak kami sa kanila,” he said. “Hindi na kami nakabalik siguro dahil mas under pressure kami kasi tambak na kami.”

(Still fine. We did good in the second half even though we fell behind big. We weren’t able to come back because we’re already under pressure.)

“Okay naman sila sa sistema ni coach Joe siguro nag-a-adjust lang kasi bagong venue na naman, bagong season. Siguro mga dalawang games, tatlong games,” he added.

(They’re okay playing under coach Joe’s system. It’s just that they’re still adjusting. New venue, new season. Give it two or three more games.)