Vanguardia makes case for Phl mentors

MANILA, Philippines - Ariel Vanguardia hopes to make an impact as the only Filipino coach in the ongoing FIBA-Asia Champions Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

As mentor of the Westports KL Dragons of Malaysia, Vanguardia looks forward to pulling off some surprises in Group A in their quest for a berth in the quarterfinals.

The former coach of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers admits that his team, representing the Asean Basketball League (ABL), is the underdog in the group that also includes Smart Gilas-Philippines, Al Ittihad-Saudi Arabia and ASU-Jordan.

“We hope we can pull off some surprises and make the quarterfinals. Being under the radar is good for us. They might not bother to scout us,” said Vanguardia.

The KL Dragons actually surprised the Nationals, handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, in the early going last Sunday, taking a 40-39 lead at the half.

But the hosts came through with a series of runs in the third and turned the contest into a rout, 95-64, for their second straight win.

Despite the setback, Vanguardia said he’s happy with his team’s effort. “

This is a good opportunity for us because we are facing the toughest teams in Asia. I hope that with our game against Gilas, it will boost our confidence so that we can get to our goal,” he said.

Vanguardia said the KL Dragons, some of whom are members of Malaysia’s national team, are following the system of Smart Gilas.

“Smart Gilas is doing a great job under coach Rajko’s system. We want to do the same where we can have a continuous development of players and keep them intact for many years,” said Vanguardia.

Chris Ayer and Marcus Morrison are reinforcing the KL Dragons with local talents Guganeswaran Batumalai, Ho Yeow Loong, Ooi Ban Sin, Kuppusamy Satyaseelan, Chin Zhi Shin, Loh Shee Fai, Kamaruddin Izran Edika, Ng Yeow Seng,John and Kwaan Yoong Jing.