It has been two years since Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine parted ways after a five-year relationship that produced a Governors’ Cup and one Commissioner’s Cup.
Guiao has since moved on to NLEX where he’s currently trying to steer the Road Warriors to elite status in the PBA while the Elasto Painters are still on a steady course with Caloy Garcia.
And although Guiao and the Elasto Painters are on different paths in the PBA, the two will have a reunion and will represent the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games.
Guiao was initially indifferent to his appointment as the Elasto Painters’ head coach in Indonesia, but changed his stance when team governor Mamerto Mondragon and Garcia talked to him about his temporary responsibility.
“With coach Yeng miracles can happen,” said Mondragon after the PBA’s board meeting Thursday at the league’s office. “The players are very happy they will be coached by coach Yeng, because let’s admit it, coach Caloy has not international experience.”
“Coach Yeng has accepted after a lot of discussion with the owners and coach Caloy will be part of his staff,” added Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio.
Guiao already became the country’s coach in 2008 leading a team that had Arwind Santos, Cyrus Baguio, James Yap, Kerby Raymundo, and Gabe Norwood.
Panlilio said it was Rain or Shine owner Raymond Yu who “insisted” that Guiao be the coach of the team.
“It was Mr. Raymond Yu who insisted that we bring in coach Yeng,” said Panlilio. “Coach Yeng was sensitive to coach Caloy, they had a conversation about it and it turned out well.”
Guiao’s first assignment is to rush the final lineup that will include seven or eight Elasto Painters, Gilas Cadets Abu Tratter, Ricci Rivero, and Kobe Paras.
NLEX center Asi Taulava could also be in the lineup to bolster the team’s frontline.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial lent his support for the Elasto Painters with a change in schedule for the team’s games in the Governors’ Cup.
Marcial said the Elasto Painters could possibly play in successive games once they come back to the Philippines.
“They will be gone for 15 days so when they return they could play for successive game days,” said Marcial in Filipino. “The owners, thankfully, gave their approval and what they did is not just for the country but also for the PBA.”