Guiao hopes trade gamble pays off with 2nd PBA title for RoS

MANILA, Philippines -- Coach Yeng Guiao said Rain or Shine’s decision to involve in several trades in the offseason was borne out of management and the coaching staff’s desire to finally nail a championship since the franchise’s first and only PBA title back in the 2012 season.

“Ito (trades) yung pinaguusapan natin before. Yes, we had a good season but we didn’t win a championship. We’re not happy with just that,” Guiao told Philstar.com, whose team, just a few days ago, shipped veteran guard Ryan Arana to Barako Bull in exchange for the Energy’s future second round pick.

Arana was eventually traded by by Barako Bull to San Miguel Beer.

“We were consistent, but we didn’t win the championship so the coaching staff and management decided to be a little bit more open to changes in the lineup,” he added.

Guiao felt change was inevitable since the team was also trying to make room for several rookies, whom the team acquired in last month’s PBA Draft.

Rain or Shine selected Fil-Nigerian guard Maverick Ahanmish as its third overall pick in the draft, along with Mapua sharpshooter Josan Nimes and Don Trollano of Adamson.

The fiery Rain or Shine coach admitted letting go of the left-handed Arana was not easy.

“It’s a very hard decision, because Ryan is a loyal player not only to the team but to his teammates also. Decisions like that is painful, but these are hard decisions we have to make, kasi siya rin ang mas gusto ng ibang team,” explained the 56-year-old congressman of the First District of Pampanga.

Aside from Arana, Rain or Shine also lost veteran playmaker Tyrone Tang, who decided to retire to concentrate on business.

Forward Jervy Cruz, who improved considerably under Guiao’s watch, was also shipped to GlobalPort in exchange for bruising center/forward Jewel Ponferada.

Guiao has high hopes that the team’s several offseason moves will yield dividends sooner or later.

“We are very happy with Maverick and Trollano and also, we’re very happy with Ponferada. We feel this will pay off because from what I see in practice and the few scrimmages in Australia and Pangasinan, maganda yung adjustments,” said Guiao.

Rain or Shine posted an impressive 35-20 win-loss record last season, second-best, just behind two-time champion San Miguel Beer’s 37-17 card.

The Elasto Painters placed third in the Philippine Cup and Governors Cup, while ending up as runners-up in the Commissioner’s Cup behind Talk ‘N Text.