Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines-Coach Yeng Guiao said the invitation to represent the Philippines in next month’s William Jones Cup is an opportunity Rain or Shine couldn’t pass, given that facing quality opposition would benefit the youth-laden squad before the PBA season.
“It’s a unique experience as a team, and we’re looking at it as a learning experience to prepare us for the regular PBA conferences,” Guiao told the Inquirer from Bali, Indonesia, where he and his family are spending some R&R.
“We have a young team, that’s why we have to take advantage of the opportunities like this to mold the team, to toughen them up for high-level competition. So when the invitation [to play in the Jones Cup] was mentioned to us, we immediately accepted it without second guessing.”
The Elasto Painters will be the PBA team to compete in the annual Taiwan cagefest, which is making its return after a four-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But there’s also a huge responsibility for Rain or Shine to perform well since the last edition in 2019 was won by Mighty Sports, with more than half of the roster composed of American players.
Despite being mostly a young core, some of Rain or Shine players have experience competing in the tournament, namely Gabe Norwood (Team Pilipinas in 2007 and 2009 and Gilas Pilipinas in 2012), Gian Mamuyac and Anton Asistio (Ateneo in 2018).
Guiao also had some experience playing in Taiwan as national team coach in 2009 when it was used as preparation for the Fiba Asia Championship.
Former Ateneo star and Gilas naturalized player Ange Kouame will reinforce Rain or Shine for the competition set Aug. 12 to 20.