NLEX made it official on Friday, announcing that it has parted ways with head coach and general manager Yeng Guiao.
In a brief statement, the Road Warriors said Guiao's departure after five years in charge was a “mutual decision” by both parties.
“It was a mutual decision between the NLEX Road Warriors management and coach Yeng Guiao to end the agreement,” said the team.
[READ: Yeng Guiao leaves NLEX as contract talks break down]
“We thank him for developing the team. In fact, we reached semis twice and this showed how he professionalized the team,” NLEX added.
“We wish coach Yeng all the best in his future endeavors,” the team added.
Guiao’s tenure with NLEX began in 2016 after a long stint at Rain or Shine, leading the Road Warriors to two semifinals appearance including in the 2021 Governors’ Cup.
[READ: Nambatac on chance at playing for Guiao]
Aside from being the head coach, Guiao was also the general manager of the ballclub, and was responsible for the composition of the squad.
The conclusion of the stay of the 63-year-old mentor with NLEX comes a few weeks before the start of the Commissioner’s Cup where the Road Warriors are bringing in Earl Clark as their import.
While Guiao was given total control of NLEX's basketball operations, sources said he became increasingly frustrated by trades that saw the Road Warriors lose Poy Erram and a prized first-round draft pick that TNT used to acquire Mikey Williams, as well as the decision of star player Kiefer Ravena to move to the Japan B.League.
The Road Warriors also lost Jericho Cruz - a player Guiao had coached since his time with Rain or Shine - when the unrestricted free agenct decided to sign with San Miguel this season.
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