Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — KIA Carnival got the boot in the Philippine Governors’ Cup, but head coach Manny Pacquiao is satisfied with how his team fared in its debut season especially in the closing conference.
“Masaya ako sa performance ng mga players,” he said. “Masipag sila sa ensayo at nagawa nila yung mga pinapagawa namin sa kanila.”
KIA (5-6) wrapped up its season on a bright note, beating seventh seed Meralco Bolts on Wednesday (June 24) at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Read: Ray of light for KIA as it survives Meralco to keep playoff hopes alive
The win actually gave the Carnival a chance to enter the quarterfinals, but Barangay Ginebra San Miguel foiled their hopes by beating the NLEX Road Warriors in the ensuing match.
Ginebra clinched the last playoff slot and will face top team Alaska Aces in the next round.
Nonetheless, the Filipino ring icon is happy with his team’s overall development.
“Marami kaming natutunan. Dagdag experience sa mga players ito at siguro magagamit nila next season,” he said.
Giving credit where it’s due, Pacquiao said assistant coach Chito Victolero did a great job especially on infusing discipline to the players.
“Maganda yung disiplina sa mga players ng pinagkakatiwalaan kong si coach Chito,” he said. “Every game nag-iimprove talaga laro ng mga players.”
As for next season, both coaches said the staff and the management have to yet mull over their draft prospect.
Related: Ginebra clinches last playoff spot with win over NLEX
