Webb stresses need to improve Hotshots' defense

MANILA, Philippines – Other than moving the team's traditional afternoon practice to morning this year, Star rookie coach Jason Webb stressed the need for the team to regain its defensive spunk as the Hotshots began their preparation on Monday for the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

 

Webb said the team's adjustment from the triangle offense under former coach Tim Cone to a more up-tempo style contributed to the Star's lackluster performance in the Philippine Cup.

 

"I think you try to learn as much as possible, but then, you don't want to reinvent the wheel," Webb confided to Philstar.com after the team's practice at Ronac gym.

"But our goal is to get better."

 

The 42-year-old freshman coach was mum on whether former Best Import Denzel Bowles is set for a fourth your of duty with the team.

 

However, the Star mentor intends to work on the locals, particularly fine-tuning their offense and working on their defensive schemes.

 

"In the end, yung import naman lalaro lang sa iyo nang three months so yung locals mo talaga ang dapat solid," he stressed.

 

Statistically, Star dropped from being the no. 1 defensive team in the 2015 season to just fourth during the all-Filipino conference.

 

The Hotshots were giving up 94.7 points per contest compared to just under 87 points last season. They also topped the league in turnovers with their 19.6 norm.

 

"Again, defense, we've got to be better. That's what we talked about in practice," he said.

 

"Okay naman kami sa offense but then we have to address our turnovers also."

 

Star saw its semifinal goal vanish in thin air after bowing to Barangay Ginebra in the opening round of the quarterfinals on Christmas Day.

 

The Hotshots limped to an anemic 4-8 win-loss card overall in the Philippine Cup.