De La Salle’s steady cruise in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament has hit a snag.
For much of the second round, the Green Archers were holding steady in third spot while teams such as University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, and University fought for the fourth spot.
But with gameday left in the elimination round, the Green Archers are left waiting for the result of the game between FEU and Adamson to determine whether they need to take the long road to the Final Four.
La Salle head coach Louie Gonzalez, though, is not focusing on the other team’s campaign especially with the Green Archers struggling to stay consistent at this point in the season.
“For me, the problem isn’t the other team,” said Gonzalez in Filipino after a La Salle dropped to fourth seed after a 97-81 loss to UP Wednesday. “The problem right now is my team’s status.”
Gonzalez admitted that sudden inclusion of big man Taane Samuel, who got injured in La Salle’s season opener against FEU, late into the season is posing a challenge.
Samuel made his return against Ateneo and the Green Archers have gone 0-2 since.
“We have to integrate Taane and use him to our advantage, and not to our disadvantage,” said Gonzalez. “The four guys around him need to figure out also on the adjustments they should make.”
“Before we were able to put the players into spots where they’re successful and Taane’s unlimited, in a sense that he can do so many things, but one thing that we have to figure out is what should be the best role for him.”