Roseller “Yeng” Guiao, the most consistent top performing coach in the pro league the last few years, has been tapped to call the shots for the Philippine team competing in the FIBA-Asia men’s championship next year.
PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios said he gave in to the choice of the overwhelming majority of the Philippine sports community in naming Guiao the coach of the RP squad embarking on a mission to make the world stage in 2010.
Guiao was informed by the league commissioner of his appointment Wednesday night.
“This is a great honor and a privilege dreamed of by all the coaches not only in the PBA but the whole country. I consider this greater than winning a championship. There’s no greater achievement than to represent your country in your chosen field,” said Guiao, 49, owner of five PBA championships.
“I’m nervous at this point because I know the task is daunting, the responsibility great. I accept it wholeheartedly. It’s a big decision by the commissioner. I don’t want to disappoint him and the country in general in terms of putting up a good performance,” Guiao added.
After his formal appointment, Guiao immediately announced he’s bringing with him his Red Bull deputies Gee Abanilla and Rhoel Nadurata in the team.
He said his immediate plan is to meet with the other PBA coaches to ask for their support and cooperation.
He wondered if the league commissioner can bring together all the former RP coaches — Sonny Jaworski, Norman Black, Tim Cone, Jong Uichico and Chot Reyes — to be his advisory group.
“That’s a power group if you’ve ever seen one. If they can be with me to brainstorm and put together their thoughts that would be a big help. It would fill the gap when I was long out of the international play,” said Guiao, assistant of coach Derrick Pumaren in the ABC (now FIBA-Asia), SEA Games and Jones Cup in the late 80s.
Another immediate plan for Guiao is a meeting with the league commissioner and his staff to talk about the details in setting up the structures of the program.
“Offhand, I don’t want a prolonged tryout. It’s a waste of time because we know more or less who can play for the team. I’ll choose 15 guys who are willing to serve the country and make the sacrifice,” said Guiao.
“I’m looking at a quick running team which can defend and shoot well from the outside. The players will have to understand that this is a team of superstars — probably the best in the PBA — and they have to forget their egos for the greater goal of the team,” Guiao added.
He’s thinking of looking for a tall naturalized player to reinforce the team.
“Realistically, it’s a difficult task. I think we have the talent to compete but one thing that concerns me is our size. The best way to address this concern is to get a naturalized player. We can have a Serbian or Phil Jackson as a coach but if we’re to play a seven-footer and defend him with a 6-foot-5, that’s a Herculean task,” said Guiao.
“Naturalization is acceptable. If we’re to compete, we have to follow that norm. All we need is one or two big guys. We have the talents in all positions. We just have to match up at center position,” he added.
A fiery mentor, Guiao said he’s willing to make his own adjustments.
“I know my limitations. I agree that there has to be some adjustments in dealing with players in the national level. It’s different dealing with your own players. I would adjust to give the players some room to be themselves, but would also ask leeway for me to be myself,” Guiao said.