Guiao pins hopes on long series
Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said the other day the longer the series, the better are the Barakos’ chances to beat Barangay Ginebra in their PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-7 semifinal duel.
That’s because Guiao relies on a deeper rotation that could wear down Ginebra’s nucleus in an extended battle. The problem is if the Kings get off to a hot start – as they did in crushing Red Bull, 108-82, in Game 1 last Sunday – the Barakos will be hard pressed to catch up.
Still, Guiao said he has trust and confidence in Red Bull’s patented system.
“Our system is really simple,” said Guiao. “It’s not difficult to buy into it. The system itself does not favor playing guys 40 to 45 minutes which is counterproductive. I don’t think you get motivated at practice if you’re guaranteed to play 40 minutes every game. I usually give guys seven to eight minutes to prove themselves in a game. If they don’t produce, they can’t blame me. The guys have to prove they deserve their minutes. It makes for hard practices which the guys use to earn their minutes in a game. Nobody has guaranteed minutes. I’ve told the guys if they buy into the system, they become part owners of it.”
Guiao admitted his lineup is not as talented as Ginebra’s, especially since Red Bull has lost Junthy Valenzuela, Larry Fonacier, Rico Villanueva and Lordy Tugade to other teams.
“I really believe we’ve found a system we can rely on,” said Guiao. “Of course, it’s great to coach a team loaded with talent. That’s why coaching the national team is so attractive. You just get the ball in the hands of your best players and let them operate, like we used to during the days of Vergel Meneses and Nelson Asaytono. I also coached stars like Willie Miller and Kerby Raymundo but they were just starting their careers and blossomed later. Now, werely on teamwork and our system.”
Against Ginebra, Guiao said his main headaches are Chris Alexander and the Kings’ three-guard rotation of Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela.
“Adam (Parada) has size and is a little stronger but we’re worried about Alexander’s quickness around the basket,” said Guiao. “Alexander is a threat to any team because of his offensive rebounding which leads to his high percentage put backs. His defensive rebounding is the motor of Ginebra’s transition game. My problem is how to keep him in check.”
Guiao said Valenzuela’s addition to Ginebra’s cast was a blessing for the Kings.
“Junthy’s got championship and playoff experience,” said Guiao. “He’s a big loss to us because he was our leader. Now, he’s transferring what he gained from us to Ginebra. He’s a quiet leader who doesn’t dominate with his personality. He gives Ginebra a strong character with a good decision-making dimension, stability and control. They’ve got the fast and the furious and now, they’ve got somebody to provide discipline in execution.”
Guiao said Valenzuela makes Helterbrand and Caguioa even more dangerous because of his passing ability.
But despite Ginebra’s potent three-guard formation, Guiao said he is confident his slew of guards will give the Kings a run for their money.
“I can put a lot more guards on Helterbrand, Caguioa and Junthy so a long series is better for us,” said Guiao. “We may not be as talented but we’re guard-heavy so we can rotate a lot more guys with Cyrus (
Additionally, Guiao said his frontliners can give Ginebra plenty of trouble from the outside.
“My bigs, Mick (Pennisi) and Mike (Hrabak), can shoot from the perimeter so they open up the middle for us,” said Guiao. “They create space for us to penetrate.”
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