Excuses are barriers that individuals create to conceal their own weaknesses while shifting blame away from their failures.
Those with lower self-esteem often resort to pointing fingers as a way to avoid personal responsibility.
I was surprised to see this behavior from someone like San Miguel head coach Jorge Gallent.
Following the Beermen’s elimination from the Governors’ Cup after a tough Game Six loss to their rival Ginebra, the 56-year-old coach complained about a shot clock reset.
He focused on a mere 0.06 seconds, claiming it provided enough “leeway” for Justin Brownlee to hit a crucial three-pointer that secured a 102-99 victory for the Kings.
Brownlee’s shot came after a lull caused by a coach’s challenge. During that break, Gallent could have devised a defensive strategy to prevent Brownlee from getting the ball, instead of fixating on a fraction of a second.
**CRYING OVER SPILLED BEER.**
This grievance lacks substance. It’s a petty complaint from someone who should feel secure in his position after winning the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup.
I’ve always liked Gallent, but he coaches a 29-time champion team filled with All-Stars, including an eight-time MVP, and has access to a substantial basketball operations budget.
There’s no room for excuses or sympathy.
San Miguel didn’t lose the semifinals to a better team; they were outplayed by a more organized and well-coached Ginebra squad.
While Gallent is a strong coaching strategist, some of his rotations were confusing.
For example, in their 131-121 Game Four victory, Don Trollano and Terrence Romeo combined for 29 points on 12-of-19 shooting over nearly 47 minutes. In contrast, during their Game Six defeat, they played only 23 minutes and scored just eight points.
**OVERWORKED FAJARDO.**
Gallent overworked June Mar Fajardo, giving him minimal rest, with playing times of 40:14 in Game Four, 38:16 in Game Five, and 41:56 in Game Six.
Fajardo’s fatigue was evident, raising questions about why the deep bench wasn’t utilized.
“I’m healthy. I didn’t get playing time the whole series,” Jeron Teng, a proven player, texted me, not complaining but responding to my inquiry.
Mo Tautuaa and Vic Manuel could have provided valuable minutes to relieve Fajardo, yet only Manuel saw limited time in Game Six with just 2:57 on the floor.
Additionally, why was Simon Enciso benched? He could have supported Jericho Cruz, who sprained an ankle in Game Five but still played 30:34 in Game Six, going 3-of-11 shooting.
The notion, suggested by an assistant coach, that San Miguel’s frequent import changes contributed to their downfall is a valid point.
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