Guiao: Gotladera to follow in Belga, Quinahan footsteps
Will Fonso Gotladera follow the footsteps taken by guys like Beau Belga and JR Quinahan?
If he follows the system, coach Yeng Guiao thinks he just might.
Known for developing traditional big men to shoot threes in his unorthodox system, the new NLEX coach said that it’s not just Gotladera, but the other Road Warriors should start practicing their outside shots.
“That is required of the system. If they do not have those skills, those skills can be acquired. It will entail hard work and different focus, but I think they’re willing to do that,” he said.
During his stint with Rain or Shine, Guiao allowed frontcourt players to roam the outside and turn into shooters, which is now in the arsenal of his former players like Belga, Quinahan, and Raymond Almazan.
Guiao thinks that Gotladera, NLEX’s pick from the Gilas round of the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft, would be happy to oblige, just like others did in the past.
“All of those big men who adapted to my system are very happy of what they’re doing. Pangarap ng big men makatira sa labas and if you allow them to do that and they practice that, they will get better. I don’t think Gotladera will be any different,” he said.
The seasoned coach also noted chinks in Gotladera’s game that still needs some improvement, but he’s willing to put in the work as he eyes to infuse some youth on NLEX’s aging frontcourt rotation.
“We’re looking for a big man and Fonso is one. We know we have to work on some aspects of his game and I know he also understands that.
We are preparing, actually, for our next generation big men. Asi (Taulava) and Enrico (Villanueva) are not young anymore, so this is the start of the preparation for that,” he said.
“With the potential of these young guys, it may not be of immediate impact, but the important thing is you start the process. So we’re starting the process. Di bale mag-invest ng time sa big men. Besides, dito naman sa draft, konti lang ang big men who can make an immediate impact, so you just have to make that sacrifice of trying to identify your projects and work on those projects.”
Aside from Gotladera, NLEX also acquired the services of guard Reden Celda in the regular draft, picking him eighth in the first round.
