After strong Nxled debut, coach plans more surprises

The Chameleons have every reason to jump for joy after a rousing debut. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Taka Minowa now understands the enormity of his role as coach of the debuting Nxled Chameleons in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

“Today, when I woke up, I already have a lot of pressure,” he said on Sunday. “Even this week I haven’t got enough sleep because of pressure. But I try to smile because I always say to the players don’t forget to smile, but my body is shaking.”

A 25-18, 25-14, 25-19 victory over Gerflor at the start of the All-Filipino Conference did little to calm his nerves.

“Today we won, 3-0. But our performance is not good. In practice [the players] are always doing good, but in tuneup the performance is not good, that’s our problem before,” Minowa said after the win over the Defenders at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s not good, but it’s getting better. So our next game we need to adjust and prepare. Maybe next time we will make more surprises for the PVL.”

The Chameleons, who are still getting a feel of Minowa’s system, spoiled debuting Gerflor coach Sammy Acaylar’s first game in the PVL, getting contributions from everyone to go on an 18-8 start that set the tone for the victory.

Of the Nxled standouts, however, it was Lycha Ebon who caught Minowa’s attention in the first game.

“Lycha is a good opposite (hitter). She didn’t play much last competition that’s why … I [kept] repeating to [her] ‘You need to trust yourself’ and then now she’s getting better.

Maybe after this competition she is already one of the famous and good opposite (hitters) in Philippines,” the Japanese coach said of Ebon, who had 14 points on 12 kills and two blocks.

More involved

Minowa feels that even with the solid performance of Ebon, a transferee from sister team Akari, the Chameleons can even get stronger with upgraded performances from the likes of Jhoana Maraguinot, who finished with 11 points.

“Everyone say she’s a good player before. But [at first], since it’s my first time playing her she’s like lazy. She’s not doing professional,” he said. “ I told her ‘You have a lot of career and experience but you [don’t] wanna show your teammate. You need to share … your experience.’

“Now she tries to talk to everyone and then she tries to get involved. Before she [doesn’t] wanna try getting involved but in these two weeks she is getting better.”

Maraguinot, for her part, is happy with her new team’s performance saying that the rookie PVL coach is very encouraging for them to improve.

“Ever since coach Taka arrived, he would always say that we should not expect that we are strong from the start. Day by day … and I think with the game plan today, coach is happy with the win so we are happy,” said the former Akari opposite hitter, who is embracing a bigger role on her new team.

“Considering that I am the oldest in the team, I am also getting the energy [of the younger ones] because they still have a different mindset and perspective in the game. I just treat myself as their guide whenever they are getting lost,” Maraguinot added. INQ