La Salle-EcoOil head coach Jose Roque feels a surge of optimism with the return of ace spikers Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao in the 2024 Spikers Turf Invitational Conference.
Their presence is expected to elevate the Green Oilers to new heights as they close out their preparations heading into the new UAAP season.
Kampton, who had limited participation in the previous V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge due to his commitments with the Alas Pilipinas national team, is eager to rejoin the squad.
Meanwhile, Maglinao, who missed the tournament entirely, is also ready to contribute.
Their absence was felt, but with both players back, Roque believes they can seamlessly integrate into the team’s system.
“So far, okay naman dahil nadagdagan kami. Na-reinforce kami ni Noel [Kampton] saka ni Vince [Maglinao], though ngayon pa lang sila halos nagbe-blend doon sa sistema na dinesign ko with the V-League roster,” Roque explained.
He noted that while Kampton and Maglinao are still catching up, they are making progress and beginning to understand the strategies that have been developed during the offseason.
“Yun din ang habol namin eh, ‘yung mga previous years kasi I think naalala ko mga once lang kami nakakalaro before UAAP. So we take this opportunity talaga na makadami ng tournaments para mapaghandaan namin ‘yung UAAP season,” Roque emphasized.
Drawing from their recent experiences in the V-League, Roque believes the team is nearing its full potential.
However, he stresses that one crucial area remains to be addressed: consistency.
This attribute will be a focal point for the Green Oilers as they embark on their journey in the Invitational Conference, which is supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
“Nandoon na sila. Actually for me, somehow naaabot na namin eh. Ang tinitignan ko na lang ‘yung consistency. Kasi ‘di natin masabi, they reached already ‘yung almost the peak, but ‘yung to maintain that and go beyond that, ‘yun ‘yung medyo mahirap,” Roque stated.
He acknowledged that while the team is making significant strides, the challenge lies in maintaining their level of play and striving for continuous improvement.
