CHRIS Ross is quick to temper expectations on San Miguel Beer's defense of the PBA Commissioner's Cup title simply because of the added firepower the team is bringing in for the mid-season conference.
The Beermen's starting point guard acknowledged the significant contribution top pick Christian Standhardinger and import Troy Gillenwater will be providing for the franchise in its bid to win a second straight championship this season.
But things won't work overnight. Ross said everything will have to take time.
"People probably think it's not gonna be hard to integrate Christian Standhardinger, our no. 1 pick, and Troy Gillenwater, a prolific import (to the team). But it's hard," said the 33-year-old native of San Antonio, Texas.
"We're used to playing with a certain way with the five guys, and then, you bring in two other guys who need minutes also."
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Ross didn't go far and cited how a powerhouse team such as Petron before didn't live up according to its billing and ended without winning a championship despite already having by then the cornerstone of its title unit in June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, and Alex Cabagnot.
"Petron before has a super-talented team, but it didn't work," recalled Ross.
It's up to the players and coaching staff now, how to adjust and make both Standhardinger and Gillenwater feel welcome to the team.
"It's all our jobs to make sure that they (Christian and Troy) fit in and integrate with our system smoothly," said Ross, a two-time Philippine Cup PBA Press Corps Finals MVP.
"It's all about making sure that everybody is happy and make sure everybody plays their role," he said. "We'll try to do that with Troy and Christian."
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It's a move the Beermen have to do as they bid for another shot at achieving a rare grand slam after falling short last season.
"It will take a lot of sacrifice from us," Ross said. "We sacrifice for the betterment of the team.
"I'm sure the coaches will do a good job on that, and us players will do a good job as far as making them feel good." (RG)
