Imports don’t guarantee championship, says Gorayeb

MANILA, Philippines – PLDT Home Ultera coach Roger Gorayeb doesn't think getting two foreign imports is a surefire way of winning a championship.

"Yes, it's an advantage (having imports) because it gave us more options on offense and defense," said Gorayeb, referring to former US NCAA Division standouts Victoria Hurtt and Sareea Freeman, who were both rested in their 25-11, 25-17, 25-17 Final Four win over State U Sunday.

"But I don't think it makes us a sure thing for a championship because it could backfire since we haven't really trained together that much," he added.

Gorayeb said he made the move of sitting down his imports for them to observe and adjust to how the locals play.

"I want them to see and adjust to how the local plays and not the other way around," said Gorayeb.

Gorayeb also said he has high respect for Army, which sank Navy, 25-16, 25-10, 25-22, in their own semis duel.

"Army is a very experienced team and they've been together for a long time now, which I think they will use against us," he said.

The Lady Troopers have been playing with some of the country's top players, including Tina Salak, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Abi Marano, Honey Royse Tubino and Mary Remy Joy Palma among others.

Aside from Hurtt and Freeman, PLDT, in contrast, has several new players on its fold, former league MVP Aiza Pontillas and Janine Marciano, who joined the team only this conference from Cagayan Valley.

The Ultrafast Hitters are also missing Alyssa Valdez, who hasn't played a single game this conference after she led the squad to the Open Conference title by beating these same Lady Troopers last May.

"We're still hoping she plays in the finals," said Gorayeb of Valdez.

With Hurtt, Freeman and Valdez, PLDT went to Aiza Pontillas and team captain Sue Roces, who took turns in firing 13 and 11 hits against UP.