Segismundo: Guiao’s PBA lottery gripe ‘no big deal’

MANILA, Philippines – For PBA board chairman Mon Segismundo, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is raising a howl for nothing.

“For me it’s a non-event. It’s no big deal. I don’t think we should make a big fuss about nothing,” said Segismundo on the protest of Guiao on the process done by PBA commissioner Chito Salud to draw the winner of the first pick for the coming PBA Rookie Draft.

Guiao has said they will elevate the matter to the PBA board of governors, claiming the process was done in an unprofessional manner, inviting suspicion.

“We’re pursuing our intention to have the lottery draw be investigated and if possible redrawn because it’s just crude, it’s lacking credibility and lacking transparency,” said Guiao.

Salud conducted the draw, placing two Globalport balls and one Meralco ball (rights having been traded to Rain or Shine in a previous trade deal) in a box placed atop a table at midcourt at the Mall of Asia Arena before Game One of the Governors Cup Finals Tuesday.

Guiao is questioning in particular the process where Salud, after placing the last of the three balls inside the box, didn’t put his hand out. The commissioner instead went straight to pick a ball that turned to be Globalport’s.

Segismundo, however, stressed he believes in the integrity of Salud.

“If you believe in the integrity of the commissioner then you believe in the integrity of the process done by the commissioner,” Segismundo pointed out.

Meanwhile, Salud said: “I welcome coach Guiao’s move to elevate this matter to the board, and I’ll let the board decide.”

“First, they have to elevate it to us then we deal with it,” said Segismundo.

“But we have bigger things to worry about. My advice to coach Yeng, smell the roses,” Segismundo added.