IT'S rare for a team to root for a rival, but Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao has again shown that he is different. He wants Phoenix Super LPG to go deep in the the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and maybe face the team in the finals, should they ever get there.
Guiao observed that teams like Rain or Shine and Phoenix, rarely in the semifinals, have an opportunity to get there. But the way Phoenix played during the eliminations, enabling it to get a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs, Guiao is tantalized by the possibility that small-budgeted teams like theirs may have a chance at upending the favorites.
READ Phoenix vs. Meralco, Magnolia vs TNT kick off PBA quarterfinals
Guiao wants his team and Phoenix to do well, but that would mean they may have to face each other early in the playoffs and knock each other out preventing one of them from advancing.
Entering Sunday’s games, Phoenix would have played Rain or Shine in the Final Eight had the Fuel Masters won against TNT. But because the Fuel Masters lost, 116-96, the Elasto Painters will face mighty San Miguel instead in the quarterfinals.
The only time that Rain or Shine would face Phoenix in the postseason is in the finals, being in separate brackets.
“Actually, sa isip ko, kung hindi namin makakatapat ‘yung Phoenix, ibig sabihin, dalawa kaming independent teams na may chance na makapasok, na very rare na nasa Top Four, merong dalawang independent teams na makapasok,” said Guiao after Rain or Shine won over Converge, 112-111, with the result of the Phoenix-TNT game still undetermined.
“In my mind, maganda sana ‘yun. Pero ang makakatapat mo naman, San Miguel. Parang wala kang tulak kabigin,” said Guiao on the double-edged sword that Rain or Shine was in prior to Phoenix-TNT game.
With the help of import Johnathan Williams and the young core that was brought in through the draft, Phoenix ended the eliminations with an 8-3 win-loss slate, and took fourth spot and a quarterfinal meeting with dangerous Meralco.
Rain or Shine, also with import Tree Treadwell performing at a high level and the young group led by Andrei Caracut stepping up, closed the eliminations on a six-game winning streak and a 6-5 record. But it’s conference is now on the line in the quarterfinals against San Miguel, which is also on a run, having clustered five straight victories on its way to grabbing twice-to-beat advantage.
How about NorthPort?
“I’m always cheering for the independent teams pagdating sa ganito kasi independent team din kami. Alam namin kung gaano kahirap makarating sa semifinals eh,” said Guiao.
“Ganun lang, laban lang ng parehas, at tignan mo kung saan ka makakarating,” said Guiao.
Curiously, Guiao never mentioned NorthPort, the only other independent team after Rain or Shine and Phoenix to make the quarterfinals, in the entire interview.
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