URATEX Dream is motivated to exceed expectations anew in their second go-round in the Red Bull Half Court World Final at the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York this weekend.
Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 stalwart Kaye Pingol believes that the Filipino crew is better equipped this time out after reaching the quarterfinals in Belgrade, Serbia last year.
“We want to be better than last year and we’re aiming for the best. We are fighters and we will do our best to get that championship,” she said, as she will be joined by Sam Harada, Eunique Chan, and longtime national team member Afril Bernardino and coached by Kat Quimpo.
Last year’s stint was an eyeopener for Uratex, which shocked the field by barging into the final eight before falling to Australia.
Yet what Pingol picked up from there were valuable lessons which the Dream aim to bring to the United States.
“I think we learned how important iyong patience and being in control is this past few months na we’re preparing for the World Final,” said the former National University guard of last year’s squad which had Mikka Cacho and Blanche Bahuyan. “We always start slow, so if we can adjust agad na we can control the game, maganda ang magiging resulta para sa amin.”
The glaring difference this time is the addition of Bernardino, who joined the Peachy Medina-owned franchise first in Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 2 back in February and eventually teamed up with Pingol in the Dream team in the Half Court 3×3 last September.
“Mas lumakas ang team namin with ate Afril na veteran na when it comes to playing internationally. Mas naga-guide niya kami sa loob ng court and ina-advice niya kami sa mga gagawin namin,” she stated.
“Mas na-build yung samahan namin hindi lang sa loob ng court but also outside kaya we’re really confident and ready para sa Red Bull World Final.”
Also part of the Philippine delegation which will fly to New York on Wednesday evening is Half Court 3×3, formerly TNT Triple Giga, with the Mau Belen-coached quartet of Matt Salem, Chester Saldua, Gryann Mendoza, and Jordan Bartlett competing in the men’s division.
