YENG Guiao was all business on Friday for his match against his old team, but a few members of NLEX also took the time to also greet their former coach even before the start of the ballgame.
NLEX players Kevin Alas, Kenneth Ighalo, and Justin Chua, and assistant coach Ford Arao were among those who approached Guiao on the Rain or Shine bench prior to the match at the Philsports Arena.
See Yeng Guiao's Rain or Shine debut ruined by his former team NLEX
Asi Taulava also greeted his former coach before the outing, and even did a mano po gesture to Guiao.
WATCH:
It was, however, a forgettable game for Guiao as the Elasto Painters lost to the Road Warriors, 96-90.
Rain or Shine squandered a 32-20 lead, and NLEX pulled away early in the fourth, taking a 91-77 lead on their way to victory.
NLEX interim coach Adonis Tierra admitted his familiarity with Guiao did help in managing the game, although he also noticed a couple of changes in his system.
“May konti,” said Tierra, when asked if being familiar with Guiao's system helped in the preparation for the contest. “For the past six years, ‘yung philosophy ni coach, diskarte, opensa, medyo madaling mag-scout ng konti.”
“Pero marami na rin binago si coach sa sistema niya,” said Tierra.
Adonis Tierra and the Road Warriors look to get a win run going.
Tierra said he is happy for the team that they were able to pick up the win despite the coaching change that has now been finalized with Frankie Lim set to take over for NLEX after the Road Warriors’ contest against Meralco.
“Galing nga ng PBA, kami agad ‘yung tinapat,” said Tierra in jest. “’Yung pressure nandoon. Isang linggo, dalawang linggo na ata akong hindi nakakatulog. Pero thankful ako sa management sa tiwala na binigay sa akin to handle the team.
“The important thing is ‘yung mga players. Maganda ‘yung suporta ng management na kinausap sila ng management. After three days, medyo tumaas ang morale,” said Tierra.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
