YENG Guiao is getting a much-deserved vacation and his assistant coaches at NLEX want it to be as stress-free and restful as possible.
Guiao has been allowed by NLEX management to take a three-game break as he and his family enjoy a European cruise while his staff led by Jojo Lastimosa takes over the Road Warriors' campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Guiao had a grueling few months that saw him coach not only NLEX but also Gilas Pilipinas, leading the team to a spot in the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup. He also ran for congressman in the first district of Pampanga.
“He is on a cruise and it’s a treat from his family to get away from the game a little bit and all the things that happened to him the last few weeks in the election," said Lastimosa, who coached the team in Wednesday’s 100-87 loss to Alaska.
Lastimosa said the vacation comes at a perfect time for Guiao, who in the next few months will also supervise Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the Fiba World Cup in China in late August.
“It’s a good idea for his family to get away and forget about basketball,” said Lastimosa.
Lastimosa said Guiao had enough confidence in the coaching staff to leave the team at this juncture and his assistant coaches want to reciprocate.
“We have enough abled coaches. We have a lot of experience here. I think that’s one good thing about Coach Yeng. He delegates and he trusts his group and we know what he wants. He expects the best from his assistants. He gives us the opportunity to handle the team and we have to take advantage of the opportunity,” said Lastimosa.
Before leaving, Guiao set the goal for the team to go 3-0 in his absence. Even though that target wil no longer be achieved, Lastimosa said the team has enough time to bounce back.
“Sabi niya pagbalik niya, dapat 3-0. Eh hindi na makukuha ‘yung target na ‘yun. But we still have the next two games. Somehow, we have to figure a way to keep the game close,” said Lastimosa.
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