Reyes: Communication is the key to victory

Coach Mike Reyes (in a white shirt with face mask) stresses the need for constant communication to his KCS-Mandaue City Megabytes players during a lull in their practice session today, March 5, 2021, in preparation for the upcoming Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup. CDN Digital photo | Glendale Rosal

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Seasoned coach Mike Reyes believes his KCS-Mandaue City Megabytes need to be polished to the core if they want to win against much stronger squads in the upcoming Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup tipping off on April 9, 2021, in Alcantara town, southwestern Cebu.

Reyes, the driving force behind the Southwestern University-Phinma (SWU) Cobras’ title run in the 2019 CESAFI men’s basketball season, told CDN Digital that they are behind schedule in their preparation for the biggest professional tournament happening in the Visayas-Mindanao region.

On day five of their team practice, Reyes reminded his boys of the importance of communication to develop chemistry and teamwork.

Despite the lack of time to prepare for the tournament, Reyes still sees a silver lining in their current situation.

“Our key advantage is, we are developing the culture of giving our opponents a hard time. and sharing the ball. Team game. We pass the ball a lot. That’s one good thing happening to the team now. Nobody is selfish in this team. Our strength is sharing the ball, and hopefully be able to communicate and get defensive stops,” Reyes told CDN Digital.

However, Reyes admitted that they are behind schedule, considering that they only have 18 team practices left before entering the bubble.

For him, this is not enough to gel a team that has not held a basketball for ly a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Right now, I’m thinking twice because I had more expectations that they will able to do it, to communicate with each other consistently, but if they fail to do it so the blame is on the coach. So, we have to find the way,” Reyes added.

COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY

Reyes earlier admitted that they are the underdogs in the tournament. Thus, he needs everyone on the floor to communicate if they want to win.

“As expected, the players are excited, they want to work and they want to win. But right from day one, the problem will be communication. If we do not learn to communicate, forget about competing,” Reyes said.

“We are communicating on and off, but it is not enough. We have to learn to communicate consistently in every play. That is the best thing to do before we start competing,” Reyes stated.

Despite treating themselves as underdogs, the Megabytes still cannot be taken lightly as they are stacked with feisty veterans in ex-MPBL standouts Alfred Batino, Bernie Bregondo, and Joseph Nalos as well as talented rookies.

They are joined by the 2019 Cesafi finals MVP Sir Shaquille Imperial of SWU-Phinma Cobras and teammate Dyll Roncal. The rest of the Megabytes members are Phil Mercader, Monic Soliva, Gileant Delator, Rhaffy Octobre, Steve Castro, and Alfred Batino. /rcg