NLEX coach Yeng Guiao paid tribute to Alaska for everything it has contributed during a long PBA stint that will end after the season-ending Governors’ Cup.
Guiao had nothing but praises for the Aces, not only for playing inspired basketball since the announcement but also for how they were running during their three-decade run in the pro league.
“They’ve been playing well in spite the load they’ve been carrying, the burden they’ve been carrying,” Guiao said after NLEX snapped Alaska’s three-game winning streak with a 106-89 win Wednesday, Feb. 23 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
“Mahirap maglaro ng uncertain yung future, but they’ve been very professional and coach Jeff Cariaso has been doing a great job.”
Cariaso later took to social media to thank Guiao when he learned of the praises his Road Warriors’ counterpart sang during the customary postgame interview.
Alaska dropped to a share of fourth at 5-3 after winning its previous three matches, including the last two when owner Wilfred Uytengsu made the stunning decision last week.
Guiao added that the Aces will be sorely missed once their farewell tour has been completed.
“I’ll miss Alaska,” he said. “All these years, it’s a great team, it’s a great organization. The tradition, the culture and the integrity of Fred Uytengsu, I will miss it.”
The veteran mentor has had his share of battles against the Aces, but only met them once in the finals which was not so long ago.
As Rain or Shine coach, Guiao steered the Elasto Painters to a 4-2 series win over the Aces for the Commissioner’s Cup crown in 2016.