RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is setting modest goals for Rain or Shine, stressing that transforming the team into a championship contender, just like in his first tenure with the franchise, will not be an overnight thing.
Guiao conducted Rain or Shine practice on Tuesday, the first time since returning to the Elasto Painters as their head coach. A lot has changed though since the last time he handled the team, with Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, and Jewel Ponferada the only players remaining from the in 2016 squad.
See Guiao says 'five times harder for an independent team to win PBA title'
Guiao said he looks forward to the challenge of helping Rain or Shine regain its status as a playoff contender, but noted it will take time for it to become a reality since other teams have also stepped up.
“I don’t want to overpromise,” said Guiao on Tuesday after his first day in practice at the Acropolis Gym. “I think we have to be patient. Mahabang pasensya ang kailangan dito.”
Guiao is inheriting a Rain or Shine squad that has not won a championship since he brought the team to the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title, and missed the playoffs the past two conferences on a young core led by Rey Nambatac.
“It’s not because mahina ‘yung team. It’s because palakas ng palakas ‘yung mga teams na nasa taas. Kahit magpalakas ka, ‘yung mga nasa taas, if you took one step, sila they took three steps. Huli ka pa rin,” said Guiao.
The returning Rain or Shine mentor said he will find ways to fast-track the process so as they will be as competitive as possible come the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Sabi ko nga, the next few days, we will try to figure something out to advance our chances of making at least the quarters again. Kapag nasa quarters ka na, subukan namin maka-semis. Medyo nagre-reassess kami ng mga goals namin, kung ano talaga ‘yung mga realistic goals na hahabulin ko ma-accomplish,” said Guiao.
Guiao said the team showed a lot of promise on the first day of practice, easily picking up the plays that he is set to execute for the Elasto Painters.
The 63-year-old mentor added the team seemed to be knowledgeable already of his style of coaching.
“It looks good. I think we have the potential materials. Also, we were running some of our plays, our new plays for them. Mabilis naman sila pumick-up. They picked it up right away. They are enthusiastic. They are energetic. The signs look good.”
“Maganda ‘yung combination ng veterans and young guys,” said Guiao. “Coach Chris [Gavina] put in a good foundation and that’s where we are really starting our build-up from that foundation. I guess the guys are well-briefed on what my style us, what my personality is. Mukhang pinagsabihan na nila Gabe at Beau itong mga ito. ‘Yung period of adjustment, paiikliin lang natin. Malapit na ‘yung opening. Para siguro mas mabilis ‘yung pag-normalize ng situation. Hindi tayo parating nasa transition.”
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