Coach Yeng Guiao (File photo)
MANILA – Coach Yeng Guiao is happy that three of Rain Or Shine's players from its last championship team in 2016 have remained with the team until now, giving him needed help in adopting his system as he makes his way back to the squad.
"Malaking bagay na nakatulong yung presence ni (It's a huge thing to have the presence of) Beau [Belga], Gabe [Norwood], and Jewel [Ponferada] because they've been with me in 2016," Guiao said on CNN Philippines Sports Desk program on Tuesday while he was conducting his first practice back as head coach.
After spending the last five full seasons and the recently concluded 2022 PBA Philippine Cup with the NLEX Road Warriors, the fiery mentor makes his way back to the Elasto Painters by signing a three-year contract the day before.
Guiao quickly found a new team to coach a few days after he parted ways with NLEX.
In an interview with Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Noli Eala in his sports program Power and Play, Guiao revealed that he was offered a corporate job at NLEX but declined it, leading to his departure from the tollway company's PBA squad.
Chris Gavina, the recent ROS head coach before Guiao's return, remains with the coaching staff as well as Head of Basketball Operations Caloy Garcia.
Guiao has been known for being frank about what his players are doing wrong, even shouting at his own players as heard on national television.
In jest, he said the ROS veterans have already warned the young guns led by new star Rey Nambatac about it.
"Medyo na-warningan na sila (They have somehow been warned) on what to expect. Medyo alam na nila kung ano ang inaabangan nila rito sa pagdating ko dito sa (They already have some grasp on what they should expect in my return to) Rain Or Shine," Guiao said. (PNA)
