Joseller "Yeng" Guiao has had his share of controversies as far as coaching basketball in the PBA is concerned but overall, players have blossomed under his tutelage.
Known for his hard-nosed defensive plays, coach Yeng can be credited to the success of notable players and teams. His success can be traced back to the time of the Red Bull team which had the likes of Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Mick Pennisi, Kerby Raymundo, Enrico Villanueva and Cyrus Baguio.
Coach Yeng has four PBA titles tucked under his belt. The first PBA title that he won was with Swift in 1992 where his team defeated the 7-Up team via 4-0 sweep. The three other championships were with the Red Bull team (2001, 2002 and 2006).
While the Swift team was a star-studded cast, the Red Bull team wasn’t. He had virtually unknown players back then but are now among the elite PBA stars the league has to offer.
Much of the players either play for powerhouse teams now. So far going into the 2011 season, Lordy Tugade and Mick Pennisi are with San Miguel, Junthy Valenzuela and Enrico Villanueva with Barangay Ginebra, Kerby Raymundo with B-Meg, Larry Fonacier with Talk ‘N Text and Cyrus Baguio with the Alaska Aces.
Other players who have bloomed at one point included the likes of Carlo Sharma (Air21) and the controversial Jimwell Torion.
The names mentioned were virtually unknown or tagged as role players. Today, they are among the hottest stars that can spell a difference for any team.
Coach Guiao has been perceived by many as a “physical” coach and has been known to play mind games with opposing teams. But if there is one thing that best describes Gov. and coach Yeng, it has to be motivation and team discipline.
His career has been on a bumpy road. He had questioned team moves before where developed players would end up being traded for so-so players. But now with the Rain or Shine franchise, he hopes none of these player trading issues would continue to haunt him.
True enough, he has been making waves to date with the Elasto Painters. He has led the team to a franchise-best 3-0 start before bowing to the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters last Sunday.
Notable names under his wing include the likes of Gabe Norwood, TY Tang and John Ferriols. Together with reinforcement Hassan Adams, the Rain or Shine team has captured the attention of media and fans with the team expected to get better.
There are a lot of players on that squad with budding careers and with all cylinders clicking, Rain or Shine may just finally capture that first PBA title that they have been savoring.
Will coach Yeng take the Elasto Painters to places where he has brought the Swift and Red Bull PBA teams of old? Well, with the same coaching philosophy and team effort he has obviously instilled on those teams, the thought is not really far-fetched.
Love him or hate him, Coach Yeng Guiao is someone who has earned the respect of players, coaches and fans. There is no denying that he can lead a team to victories, even if there are no certified PBA stars included in his lineup.
source: mb.com.ph
No comments:
Post a Comment