Gavina introducing drive-kick system to RoS offense – Yap
Two-time PBA Most Valuable Player James Yap of Rain or Shine said Tuesday that newly-appointed coach Chris Gavina has introduced plays on the first day of practice at the Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong City.
Yap said it is expected since coaches have different perspectives.
“Kung ako tatanungin lahat naman ng mga coaches may kanyakanya na style, sistema. I’m sure meron siya na gusto gamitin din kung saan siya komportable,” said Yap when contacted by Manila Bulletin.
Gavina’s coaching philosophy, Yap said, revolves around the driveand-kick offense, which basically means whoever has the ball creates scoring opportunities for others by going to the hoop and then passing out to an open teammate.
With former coach Caloy Garcia – now a consultant – the system was more on handoff, which allows the player with the leather to give it to a teammate and set a screen for a chance to score.
Yap said Gavina might use both systems in the coming PBA Philippine Cup.
According to Yap, Gavina has already proved his worth before as a PBA active consultant during his stint with Terrafirma (formerly Kia/ Mahindra), a team he steered to its first and so far only quarterfinal playoff stint during the 2016 Governors’ Cup.
“Nakapag-playoffs yung team nila noon, may tiwala siya sa system kaya kahit papaano nadala niya sa playoffs,” he said.
Yap said he is certain of one thing.
“Siempre kami naman as players sunod lang kami sa coaches. Ibig sabihin, respetuhin namin, sunod and adjust kami sa kung ano ang papagawa – kahit na anong sistema pa,” said Yap.
“As a professional player we need to adapt and focus.”
During their first practice, Yap said the young mentor asked him to always be ready and to stay healthy.
The 39-year-old Yap is in his third and final year of his contract with ROS, and he is entering his 17th season in the pro league.