COACH YENG GUIAO

The Legendary Coach with a Legendary Temper

Coach Yeng is like Mayon Volcano—you know it’s a volcano, but somehow somewhere along the way you stop to admire the view, forgetting that, well, it erupts. But before we talk about all the hellfire and brimstone he could spout, let’s admire the legendary coach’s view.

Joselier “Yeng” Guiao has always gravitated towards positions of leadership. Coach Yeng, son of former Pampanga Governor Bren Guiao, is himself a politician, having held positions as provincial board member, congressman and eventually vice governor. He helmed the Philippine Basketball League as its Commissioner during the semi-pro league’s heydays in the late 90s, while juggling his careers as a basketball analyst and commentator.

Being on the sidelines of the PBA hardcourt, however, is where his volcanic personality seems most comfortable. It’s a position where his leadership has born the most fruit: 7 PBA championships in 15 finals appearances, with three different franchises in almost 3 decades as a head coach. His winning ways have put him in position to, once again, coach the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Basketball Team late this month in the FIBA World Cup in China.

While Coach Yeng is a solid tactician, his ability to build his players’ and team’s character stands out. One might say that whichever team he takes over, they assume his character and it becomes part of the group’s culture.

His teams have always walked the talk. But it’s worth noting the way the fiery coach talks. A couple of ex-PBA players have actually coined the word “Guiao-isms” to refer to Coach Yeng quotes that they felt if and when compiled merited a book.

These infamous Guiao-isms, earthy zingers that have decimated the most swaggering of egos, have its fair share of reactions from players and fans alike, but it is through the heightened exposition that illustrates his deep love for the game. In the end, the goal is simple: to play the game they put their soul into to the best they can, and this is what he hopes to bring out in each session—whether you like to hear it or not.

It in itself is a moment made of legends, after all men of these sort are usually subjected to the wringer and back, just as he has, pulling through in the end. And yes, if you have an “ism” named after you largely because you walk your talk, you are legendary—bar none.