Guiao to steer Gilas-RoS, needs 6 backups

NLEX coach Yeng Guiao is now on board the Rain or Shine squad – his former team – that will represent the Philippines in the Asian Games basketball tournament in Indonesia next month.

Up in the air is whether Guiao’s request for player reinforcement would be granted by the PBA board of governors in a meeting today.

Guiao is hoping he will have the ROS core reinforced by at least four to five players from among June Mar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel Beer, Greg Slaughter and Jeff Chan of Barangay Ginebra, Poy Erram of Blackwater, Paul Lee of Magnolia and Stanley Pringle of GlobalPort.

Also being eyed is Cleveland Cavalier Jordan Clarkson.

“I’m hoping against hope. I just requested the SBP to include those names in our pool. It’s up to them to decide whether they’re joining us or not,” Guiao told The STAR.

Guiao agreed to handle the Asiadbound Phl team in a meeting with ROS team owner Raymond Yu and coach Caloy Garcia Tuesday.

“I tried to convince them that it’s awkward as I’m now with NLEX and that I believe coach Caloy can do the job. Kaya lang sa halip na makumbinse ko sila, ako ang nakumbinse,” said Guiao.

The PBA board of governors sits down in a meeting today to formalize the appointment of the E-Painters and Guiao to make the Phl team for the Jakarta AG.

“It’s just a formality,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

Doubtful is whether the PBA board will allow the inclusion of Fajardo, Slaughter and others to the team.

At NLEX, Guiao is yet to discuss with the management who will take over when he’s in the Jakarta Games.

“For the training, my plan is to conduct NLEX’s practice in the morning and Team Phl’s practice in the evening,” said Guiao.

He had a previous stint as a national coach, steering the Team Phl to a quarterfinals finish in the 2009 Tianjin FIBA Asia Championship.

“I’ve done that. It’s a thankless job,” he said.