The NLEX Road Warriors have a surplus of guards in their lineup, but coach Yeng Guiao remains convinced he made the right choice when he chose another playmaker in Mike Ayonayon in the first round of the draft. From the draft process last December up until the middle of March, Ayonayon, who was chosen No. 3 overall, juggled his duties, practicing with NLEX that was preparing for the PBA’s 45th season, and playing for a San Juan team seeking to defend the MPBL title.
“He could have easily begged off from practicing [with us], but he was still showing up even though his games ended up late the night before,” Guiao said. “That shows you his attitude and work ethic as a player.”
Guiao has high hopes for Ayonayon even with his crowded rotation.
He expects the 27-year-old standout from Philippine Christian University to make an immediate impact as soon as he’s done with his commitments with the Knights, who were in the North division finals of the MPBL Lakan Cup before the COVID-19 pandemic suspended the games.
“I’ve been following him in the MPBL since last year and we felt his style of play and skill set is complimentary to the style and the system that we play,” said Guiao, who has Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas, Jericho Cruz, Philip Paniamogan and Bong Galanza in his backcourt.
Ayonayon already delivered a signature performance in the MPBL last season, scoring 33 points in a winner-takes-all Game 5 triumph over Davao Occidental. He also had his moments this season, including a buzzer-beating game winner to lift San Juan past Pampanga in the North semifinals.
“Our guard rotation is loaded and picking him shows how important he is to us. It would be a good problem. We will just find a way to maximize him than let him go to another team.” Guiao, a seven-time PBA champion, said Ayonayon reminds him of the late Ricric Marata, who was an integral part of the mercurial coach’s first PBA championship. INQ