Guiao awaits showdown with PBA elites
Like the previous teams Yeng Guiao handled in his long and colorful coaching career, there is no such thing as ‘magical’ in the way NLEX has been performing, so far, in the PBA Governors’ Cup. This from the conjurer himself. “There is no magic, and there is no secret to our success,” said Guiao yesterday prior to resuming NLEX’s practice session at the FCL gym in Xavierville Subdivision, Quezon City.
“It’s just common sense, hard work, confidence on the system that it’ll work, and, the most important thing, support of management on the radical revamp we did,” added Guiao, referring to the number of trades the Road Warriors completed last conference.
At the moment the Road Warriors stand alone on top of the standings with an unscathed 4-0 record, a run that extends the franchise’s best start and matches their total of four wins in 18 games in the season’s first two conferences – the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup.
The streak started with a victory over Alaska, 112-104, then Kia, 100-93, against his former team Rain or Shine
in overtime, 122114, and a come-from-behind opposite Phoenix Fuel, 95-91.
Doubtless, the last two were mighty impressive because – in Guiao’s eyes –NLEX players showed the kind of poise former players from his previous teams had.
Road Warriors import Aaron Fuller is providing solid numbers so far with 26.25 points and 20.75 rebounds, while guard Kevin Alas has played consistent basketball with 17.5 points, 6.75 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Other NLEX players have contributed as well in their four wins and he expects the same from Larry Fonacier, JR Quiñahan, Carlo Lastimosa, Alex Mallari, Juami Tiongson, Rabah AlHussaini, and Asi Taulava.
“There’s also the element of luck… things just fall into place,” said Guiao, owner of a combined seven PBA titles he won with now-defunct teams Swift, Red Bull, and Rain or Shine.
“It excites me, it arouses my curiosity. I want to know if this is really true.”
The feisty mentor is quick to caution though that they will only know how good they are once they battle playoff contenders like defending champion Ginebra San Miguel, TNT Katropa, Star and Meralco.
“It’s too early… masyado pa maaga. We still have to play the elite teams, and dun siguro mas malalaman natin,” said Guiao, whose team meets Ginebra in Calasiao, Pangasinan on Saturday.