In the run-up to the much-anticipated finale of the PVL On Tour on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Chery Tiggo head coach Norman Miguel is taking a different route – one less focused on drills and more on deepening the emotional and mental ties that bind his team.

Rather than overloading his wards with last-minute systems work or tweaks, Miguel is choosing to let them do their thing – trusting the process, trusting his staff, but most importantly, trusting his players.

His emphasis isn’t on hardline tactics, but on a philosophy rooted in something more intangible – connection.

Miguel isn’t guessing here. He speaks from experience – the same approach led him to steer the National University Lady Bulldogs to a title redemption campaign in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament just last year. For him, that victory wasn’t won solely on the court, but in the hearts and minds of his players.

“Sa tingin ko lang, based na rin doon sa mga past experiences ko na na-swertihan na napag-champion, yung connection,” Miguel said.

“Yung connection with the players sa akin kasi malaking bagay yun – na may nae-establish kang relationship.”

“Although syempre hindi siya smooth flowing, during the training may mga bumps yan eh. But still, hindi mo dapat i-give up yung connection mo sa bawat isa, kasi doon magbi-build yung trust.”

It’s this relational approach that Miguel believes is the true game-changer, especially in high-pressure matches where talent often evens out and mental resilience becomes the difference.

“Every time may nagtatanong sa akin, yun lagi yung sinasabi ko. Importante sa akin yung maka-connect ako – mapasok ko yung sarili ko doon sa kaloob-looban nila at magkaintindihan kami,” he said with conviction.

And that connection isn't just emotional – it manifests in on-court chemistry, trust in the system and the collective effort Miguel continues to preach.

“Sa team namin, kailangan talaga magko-contribute lahat. Based sa experience namin, pag natatalo kami, isa o dalawa lang ang nagdadala,” he pointed out.

“Pero ngayon, bawat isa nakakapagbigay ng points. There are three or four players consistently hitting double digits – malaking bagay yun.”