Two-in-one Viernes aiming to be No. 1

Tough challenge: Jeff Alvin Viernes (right) and his team NS Matrix will take on Johor Southern Tigers in their first-leg of the final match today.

PETALING JAYA: It’s not often that a team’s head coach also doubles up as a player but Jeff Alvin Viernes is up to the task in the ongoing Major Basketball League.

The Filipino knows he has a heavy responsibility as both player and coach but he is not putting undue pressure on himself for NS Matrix.

“I’m not sure what the fans expect, but all I want to do is put up a good performance and be a role model for my boys,” said Jeff.

“So, I’ll go all out and try to win every game that I play.”

All teams are allowed to include two import players – one international and one Asian – and the management of NS Matrix asked Jeff to be part of the team.

“Even though I’m a coach, I get to play whenever the management want me to,” he said.

Last Saturday, Jeff and Co secured the ticket to the final after beating Singapore Adroit 112-87 in their second-leg semi-finals match at the Maba Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

They will take on Johor Southern Tigers in their first-leg final match today, which is set to be a difficult match.

The Johoreans have Thailand’s Wuttipong Dasom and the Most Valuable Player of this tournament, Tevin Charlie Glass from the United States.

Jeff is cautious about his team’s chances but believes that they are capable of emerging as the winners.

“We’re very happy and excited to advance to the final but we have to be well-prepared and come up with a good game plan as they are the No. 1 team.”

“Their foreign players have been performing consistently but our players are experienced as some of them were in the national team.”

“If we are patient and use our experience well, I think we have a great chance of winning,” said Jeff.