Hapee upbeat despite loss of 4 key players

Hapee Toothpaste was buffeted by the departure of four top players, led by the versatile and electrifying Fil-Am Gabe Norwood who has brought his act in the pros.

The exit of Norwood, Larry Rodriguez, Mark Borboran and Reed Juntilla created a big vacuum in the Hapee roster, making the job of newly hired coach Gee Abanilla tough for the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup which opens shop Nov. 8 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

But Abanilla is taking it in a different perspective, saying it’s more of an opportunity than a problem since he’s a strong believer of the catch phrase “nothing is impossible.”

Though Jervy Cruz, the former UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) winner from University of Santo Tomas, is the only marquee player left in the team, Abanilla strongly believes that Hapee Toothpaste – owned by industrialist and philanthropist Dr. Cecilio Pedro – has what it takes to contend for the title once again.

“I’m happy with the way the players accepted my system of coaching. The acceptance was very good,” said Abanilla, who took the job vacated by Louie Alas after Hapee lost to Harbour Centre in the finals of the last conference.

Team manager Bernard Yang and Pedro’s top lieutenant Ding Salvador can attest to that, saying the growing excitement of the players is the result of Abanilla’s excellent rapport and motivating power.

“He’s a good motivator and very understanding to our players and that’s the reason why he’s easily got the respect of the team,” said Yang. “We hope he can help relive our happy days in the league.”

Hapee Toothpaste has yet to win a title since ruling the 2003-04 season although they made the finals in three of the last four conferences.

“It’s a tough task but we’ll be ready each game. We have a tradition to live,” Yang, the longest serving team official in the league, added.

Aside from Cruz, Abanilla hopes to squeeze the best out of rookies Lance Covento and Joshua Vanlandingham – both blessed with a good shooting arm. The other new faces on the team are Bacolod’s Ely Olarte, Jeff Morial and Dave Najorda.

Dino Daa, Roel Hugnatan, Alfie Grijaldo, Anthony Espiritu will provide experience and the needed muscle in the shaded lane while Earn Saguindel and Jim Viray will supply the needed firepower and poise.

Cruz’s performance in the most recent UAAP season reminded anyone of what he’s capable of when he’s healthy. Though the 6-foot-4 Cruz is still not yet in his top form, he will nevertheless play a big role in the team’s bid to end a four-year drought.

Since Abanilla is a disciple of the fast game, expect a lot of ball movements and fastbreaks from the team.

“I want everybody to deliver not only Jervy. So for us to perform well, we have to be fast and quick. Spacing is also important, so that each player will have a chance to score,” said Abanilla.