Team Scottie coach Yeng Guiao, right, during the PBA All-Star draft. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Coach Yeng Guiao is both saddened and understanding about the non-inclusions of his former players Maverick Ahanmisi, Juami Tiongson and Don Trollano in next month’s PBA All-Star Game in Passi City, Iloilo.
“Nagtataka rin ako dun,” Guiao said after taking part in the PBA All-Star draft as coach of Team Scottie on Monday at TV5 in Mandaluyong City. “Pero ang hirap kasing hulaan yung pagiisip ng mga fans.”
(I’m also wondering why they were not selected, but it’s also hard to guess what the fans think.)
The three players, who played for Guiao at Rain or Shine, NLEX or both were tagged by observers as among those worthy of taking part in the exhibition classic based on their performances this season.
But the fans, who were given the responsibility of selecting all 24 players by the league, elected to vote mostly marquee names or those playing for popular teams regardless of merit or exposure.
Guiao admitted that it’s the reality of how the All-Star Game is.
“Sometimes people get underappreciated, some are really under the radar,” Guiao said. “For me, they deserve to be part of the All-Star Game. I don’t just know and see how they play, but I know them personally.
“And even on a personal level, their work ethics, their attitude, their character are All-Star worthy. It’s just that there are only a few slots available so we will respect what the fans’ decision is,” he added.
Asked about ways to make sure those perceived as unpopular yet overachieving, Guiao offered some suggestions.
“Maybe we can give 80 percent of the votes to the fans, then maybe the 20 percent would be media votes or votes from their peers,” Guiao said. “The fans should have the biggest percentage which would be good.”
Guiao’s popularity, despite getting a pair of quarterfinal appearances with NLEX in the Philippine Cup and Rain or Shine in the Commissioner’s Cup and a 2-4 record for the latter midway into the Governors’ Cup, enticed fans to vote for him along with Ginebra’s Tim Cone as coaches for the March 9 to 12 event.
While appreciative of the fans’ nod, he too was surprised with getting the chance to take part in the festivities, which in the past were usually given to coaches who made the Finals of the Philippine Cup.
“Pag nangangampanya ako, hindi ako nananalo,” said the former Pampanga politician. “Pag di ako nangangampanya, nananalo ako.”