Guiao wary of TNT locals ahead of exciting semis clash
At A Glance
- Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao warned his team against complacency as they battle a dangerous TNT side that is missing the services of its import known for his reliable work in the past conferences.
By ANGELO CAPARAS
Intern
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao warned his team against complacency as they battle a dangerous TNT side that is missing the services of its import known for his reliable work in the past conferences.
Despite not having Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the PBA Philippine Cup, the Tropang 5G are marching on to the best-of-seven semifinals against the Elasto Painters in the exciting series that starts Wednesday, June 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With Hollis-Jefferson out of the picture, and Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac both nursing injuries, TNT seems to be an easy target in the series for the young and agile wards of Guiao.
But the veteran mentor believes there's no advantage whatsoever against a squad that has a rich history of winning championships.
“Siyempre, ‘yun ang iisipin mo [na mahina sila kapag walang Hollis-Jefferson], pero pagdating ng laban, kapag nandiyan na ang TNT, kapag kaharap mo na sina [Calvin] Oftana, sina [RR] Pogoy, tapos may [Jordan] Heading pa sila ngayon, the fiery coach said.
“Akala mo nagpapalakas si RHJ. Pero kapag nandiyan na sila, all-Filipino, malakas pa rin sila,” Guiao added.
While TNT remains a tough team to beat, they will enter the series shorthanded with several key weapons sidelined including Castro, Nambatac, and Brian Heruela.
Fortunately, guys like Oftana, Pogoy, and veteran center Kelly Williams play outstanding basketball as of late.
Guiao acknowledged that TNT is playing with a clear mission, but said ROS also has its own fire driving them. And in the end, it’s all about which team can execute and rise to the occasion.
“I think they have a purpose. Mahirap ‘yung kalaban mo na may pinupuntirya talaga na gusto nilang gawin,” said Guiao.