MANILA – Talk ‘N Text assistant coach Josh Reyes said on Thursday that Dave Marcelo had to be disciplined for violating the team's core values by not even bringing him into the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga for Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Reyes, the son of current head coach Chot, bared during the Usapang Sports online forum that the burly center did something wrong that cannot go unnoticed.
"Something happened that we felt was totally against the team values that we were trying to build," the younger Reyes said. "It was an internal team decision to put some disciplinary measures."
However, he kept mum on further details about the demerit.
"I'm not gonna divulge any sensitive information," he said.
In effect, Reyes neither confirmed nor denied if an altercation between Marcelo and Magnolia's Aris Dionisio happened after Game 4 as reported last week.
Meanwhile, Reyes added that team values have been instilled in the Tropang Giga players ever since his father returned to lead the team.
"From Day 1, we talked about our culture, team values, and building the team and not about winning per se," the younger Reyes continued.
No wonder why the team quickly handed the sanction to Marcelo would not regret their decision even if Magnolia takes Game 5 and forces a Game 6.
"That's non-negotiable. We can't compromise on that even though it can put winning in jeopardy. Our team values come first. If you break that, then there would be consequences because we have to uphold those values," Reyes further said. "Dave understands it. Hopefully, it's a lesson that would be instilled in him for life."
He said the Tropang Giga are not singling Marcelo out as the same team suspension would be meted to anyone violating their team values.
"It goes for everybody. Even if it's not Dave Marcelo, even if it's Mikey Williams or Jayson Castro who will break our philosophy and team values, if you go against what we believe in, that can't be compromised in our team," Reyes continued. "Everybody is accountable for their own actions." (PNA)
