YENG Guiao is happy to have Wayne Chism back as Rain or Shine’s reinforcement for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
But after watching KIA import Peter John Ramos and Barako Bull Solomon Alabi throw their weight around inside the paint this conference, Guiao is convinced Chism needs to bulk up at the soonest possible time.
“He (Chism) came in last year at 240 (pounds), but now, he came in at 220, so he’s lighter. We need him to be heavier, and he knows he needs to put in more bulk, kaya isasama na lang kina Beau (Belga) yan eh,” Guiao said half-joking.
The Rain or Shine mentor said that in jest of course, but Guiao was dead serious in saying Chism needs to gain weight at the soonest possible time, considering the way Ramos has been dominating the league with his sheer size and power.
“Although di pa namin nakakalaban ang mga malalaking import, pero magkaka-problema kami with some of the bigger imports like Ramos and Alabi,” noted the 55-year-old veteran coach.
Guiao said he watched Ramos and the Carnival dominate the last four minutes of Friday’s match on the way to pulling off an epic 95-84 victory over defending champion Purefoods Star.
“'Pag nakatanggap na kasi siya (Ramos) ng bola sa loob, di mo na siya talaga mapipigilan,” he said.
Add to that the fact that the referees have allowed players to be more physical.
“From last year to this year, I told Wayne that the league is a lot more physical because the refs allow more contact this conference,” said Guiao.
Meantime, Belga, who along with fellow heavyweight JR Quinahan form the dreaded ‘Extra Rice Inc.,' of Rain or Shine is convinced that Chism’s leaner frame could augur well for the team this conference.
“Nacha-challenge kami kay Wayne, lalo na 'yung intensity niya kasi sasabayan mo talaga siya though 'yun nga lang, talagang nakaka-pagod,” said the 247-pound Belga.
Belga said Chism’s ability to shoot from long range will make their opponents second guess on defense, unlike with former import Rick Jackson, who is almost exclusively a post-up player.
“Si Wayne, may shooting sa labas eh, so 'yun iyong parang pinaka-advantage niya kay Rick, plus kayang dumepensa ni Wayne ng mga mabibilis,” he added.
The former Tennessee center/forward is coming off a stint with the Altshuler Shaham Gilboa Galil in the Israeli Basketball League where he averaged 10.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest.
The 27-year-old Chism, a contender for last season’s Best Import award, will have his baptism of fire this conference on Friday when Rain or Shine takes on Alaska.