Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Yeng Guiao has been branded as an unconventional coach before — one who uses unusual lineups and fields in players who do not necessarily fit the mold of most cookie cutters.
But even the fiery coach would admit that he has not seen anything as unconventional as to that of Kia’s approach.
“We haven’t seen the ‘unconventional’ ways they’re talking about,” Guiao said as new-look NLEX faces the Picanto to open their 2018 PBA Philippine Cup campaign Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“We are also going to be in the dark because that might be the weapon they are talking about. Everybody is curious on what they have with their unconventional system. We haven’t had any chance to scout them, but the other team has already scouted us.”
With the uncertainty that Kia brings, Guiao knows that the Road Warriors have their work cut out for them, especially with the Picanto leaning on veterans like Ronald Tubid and JayR Reyes, who both experienced triumph with San Miguel over the past year.
“The problem with that is Kia has something to prove especially after the controversy. A team that has something to prove is always dangerous and that is something that we have to be careful of,” he said.
“Some people think that Kia is an easy assignment but it’s not. Definitely they will be a better team than last year, and that’s what we have to prepare for.”
The tussle will also serve as the PBA debut of Kiefer Ravena, the second overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
Guiao said the key for the Road Warriors in this first game will be to focus on the task at hand and not get distracted.
“We’ll try to focus on what we can do and not on the uncertainties and the controversies. You can’t do anything about it. It’s just a distraction, if you think about it,” he said.