NLEX Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao heaved a sigh of relief as his team finally won a game in the OPPO PBA Commissioner’s Cup after 13 straight losses dating back to last conference.
The skid matched Guiao’s longest losing streak in his coaching career. He also lost 13 straight during his days with Pepsi in 1995.
“That’s a good thing. Ayaw ko naman lagpasan yun kahit na record yun,” Guiao said. “I’m not a record person. I really don’t consciously go for a record or consciously try to measure my achievements based on the record. I think the present is the more important thing.
“Yung record lahat yan nakaraan na. The more important thing is how you conduct yourself in a present time.”
Guiao said he hopes that the win would be the start of something special for NLEX and would validate the team’s decision to hire him as its coach and general manager.
“I’m happy with the support and the freedom of the management to make it your team. Nung pumasok ka, kumbaga hindi mo naman talaga ini-assemble yun,” Guiao told InterAksyon. “Hindi yun yung talagang personal choices mo.
“Mayroon akong title na GM of the team and head coach. I’m grateful. First time it happened to me. I’m flattered. I’m trying to prove to them na hindi sila nagkamali, the chance for you to form the team, that is of your personal choice, unti-unti, nagagawa ko naman yun and they’re supporting me in that aspect.”
As the team’s GM, Guiao orchestrated trades for Alex Mallari and JR Quinahan–two players whom the coach praised for quickly adapting to the team’s system.
“I think bringing in the veterans like JR and Alex gives us stability. Our decision-making is a lot better. The good thing about the two guys is it’s easy for them to gel with the team. Madali yung chemistry namin. It did not take long for the new guys to get used to us. That’s a good sign,” Guiao said.
Expect Guiao and NLEX to make more trades.
“Isa na lang kasi yung game namin eh so if there would be changes it has to be in between conferences. Again, we’re not done yet. There’s still going to be some changes but minor changes not like the ones you saw two weeks ago,” Guiao said.
