Guiao, NLEX committed to McDaniels until end of conference: ‘That’s how we trust him’

NLEX import KJ McDaniels. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Yeng Guiao had to wait for two years to get KJ McDaniels into NLEXs’ fold and now that he got his top choice for reinforcement, the head coach is committing to the partnership until the end.

Following the Road Warriors’ 120-115 overtime win over NorthPort, Guiao said that he’s more than happy with McDaniels’ performance with the club even though they’re only two games into the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup.

“I’m satisfied with KJ especially knowing that he’s maybe 75 to 80 percent fit,” said Guiao Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. “Maybe he gets close to a hundred percent as we get more games, and we practice a little more.”

“We’re committed to him already. He’s our import now and he’s going to be our import at the end of the conference. That’s how we trust him.”

McDaniels goes to his left. 116-113 NLEX #PBAItuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/pcHjm8H9iM

— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 10, 2021

McDaniels was an unstoppable force for Road Warriors against the Batang Pier as he poured in 40 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks.

The 6-foot-5 NBA veteran also had 11 points in the overtime period going 4-of-4 from the field.

McDaniels, who previously played for TNT in 2019, said his and his teammates’ identity in the conference starts from Guiao and it’s up to them to put theory into practice.

“He’s a great coach. It starts with him having the mindset and seriousness of winning and coming out here to compete. Every game we compete hard and each practice will make each of us better every day,” said McDaniels. 

“Today he was attacking the basket, in his first game we played he tried out his three-point shooting, so once those two things are put together they’re going his weapons. He can use those and the defenses are going to have problems with his inside and outside game,” said Guiao.