Aguon: Defense and chemistry were key factors

Veteran bench tactician Rufino Aguon credited his latest achievement on the basketball court to the defense and chemistry of his team.

Aguon, who called the shots from the sidelines during Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense’s run to claiming the championship crown of the 2005 MDX Amateur Radio Inter-color Basketball League, said the team’s desire to put defense first, as well as the mixture of experienced veterans and young guns proved to be key factors in the team accomplishing its goal.

“Their defense is their No. 1 strength,” he said during an interview after SIP defeated JCN Enterprises, 102-87, in the title game Sunday night.

Aguon said with veterans such as Edsel Mendoza, Junar Guiab, Rick Alegre, Leo Factor, and Robert “Onyok” Tamondong using their experience to the team’s advantage, and young guns Elmer Esdrelon, Jester Garcia, Jason Amado, Peter Mendiola, and James Villacrusis, among others, proving themselves, the team was a force to reckon with.

“While the younger players had the legs and stamina to run, they’re still lacking the court awareness, and that’s where the veterans came in and they were able to control the game and were able to keep the guys in check, so that when its time to run, they run and when its time to slow it down, they do that,” he said.

Aguon also added that the team was well rounded, as everyone was capable of scoring, which made it harder for defenders.

“Number two [strength] is anybody can hit and explode in offense at any time, so there was really no one person to carry the team,” he said. “If you concentrate on one, another person is open. It’s a well-rounded team and they trust each other and that’s what makes this team a unit…its because of their trust. They don’t hesitate. It’s nice to know that somebody has your back.”

With majority of his players sticking together in various leagues, Aguon said the team is like a family that works together.

“Playing together for quite a while is very important because like any team, a family…you don’t have to question somebody’s loyalty. It’s there, and it shows especially during the playoffs. If they’re on the bench, they’re cheering for you. If it’s they’re turn, you’re cheering for them. If you make mistakes they turn and say ‘pick it up and lets go.’ It’s very important and that built the chemistry of this team,” he said.

SIP players were sharp during the championship game and their attack resulted in two JCN players committing four fouls and another three fouls before halftime.

“That was part of the game plan,” Aguon said of the game. “Get their shooters and ball handlers in foul trouble, which would make our job easier as the game goes along, but we also got into foul trouble. We got our big man [Mendoza] in foul trouble, but fortunately the younger players were able to step up and keep the lead so that in the fourth quarter we were able to use our big man again.”

Mendoza went on to finish as the game’s best performer with 25 points nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and two assists to lead SIP.

“Edsel had three fouls, then picked up his fourth in the fourth quarter, so I took him out then brought him back in when it was crunch time and it worked. He really gave us a big lift in the end,” Aguon said.

Aguon also credited JCN for a well-fought battle.

“It was a very good game they played and they gave us a really good fight, but I’m glad that we won,” he said. “Of all the games I’ve seen in this league, I think this was the best game. I told my boys to don’t take them lightly and as you saw, they played a great game and I got to give credit to the coach.”

Other members of the team include Lawrence Buniag, Joe Villacrusis, Jerry Diaz, Brian Flores, and Marlon Cabrera.