Aguon pleased about performance on Tinian

CNMI Men’s National Team head coach Rufino Aguon was happy that his squad was able to take home the title of the San Jose Fiesta Basketball Tournament last Friday.

The title, however, was not why Aguon was pleased when he returned to Saipan.

In an interview, the veteran basketball guru explained that the biggest key in the tournament was that his players were beginning to gel as a team.

“It was good,” Aguon said. We worked on our offense and our defense, but the main thing that was very encouraging was that the boys were gelling as a team.”

Aguon, who in an earlier interview said a big issue he’ll be pushing for is having his players trust in each other, explained that competing in the tournament was a big plus in prepping the team for the upcoming 6th Micronesian Games as it served as a venue for the cagers to bond.

“They were able to bond. They played together and spent time together off the court and that’s really good,” Aguon said.

Aguon said that although the team headed into the tournament as the favorite, the players showed signs of maturity as they kept their focus on getting the job done.

“Mentally, we wanted to play our game. We were not overconfident even though we were probably the favorites, and the guys were just focus on execution,” he said.

Aguon’s troops were tested right at the get-go as the team faced 2006 Inter-Government Basketball League champion Tinian Hustlers in the opening game of the tournament. The Nationals won 124-89.

“Our shots were going in, the guys were getting open, and they executed,” he said.

The Nationals faced Saipan’s Northern Youth Basketball Association All-Stars in their second bout and won 60-39.

The Nationals then had a rematch against the Hustlers in the finals, and were given a good run for their money before coming through with an 81-70 victory.

“They made adjustments to us, I guess they kind of knew the boys a little better after playing us in the first game,” Aguon said. “They led at the beginning, so we had to pick it up on defense to catch up and we were able to hold on.”

Meanwhile, Aguon also extended appreciation to all participating teams “for giving us the opportunity to play, especially the Tinian Hustlers, who gave us a run for our money.”

Aguon also extended his appreciation to the Tinian Mayor’s Office, the staff of the Division of Sports and Recreation on Tinian, and “most importantly the people of Tinian for such as gracious host.”

“We truly enjoyed our two-day stay there,” he said.

Aguon also recognized the talent from young players in both the NYBA and Hustlers teams.

“I saw a lot of raw talent and want to encourage them to continue their training with their coaches,” he said. “I want to see them someday as national players. To John Santos and Joe Diaz, keep up the great work.”