Longer Gilas stint awaits Guiao: Pangilinan

FILE: Coach Yeng Guiao (Photo: Yeng Guiao/Facebook)

MANILA — Don’t be surprised if Coach Yeng Guiao’s tenure as Gilas coach will go beyond the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

No less than SBP chairman emeritus himself, Manny Pangilinan, said that the current NLEX gaffer could become the national team mentor for good.

“I think so,” Pangilinan, the first president of the said NSA, simply said when asked if the current higher-ups, led by president Al Panlilio, chairman Sonny Angara, and vice chairman Robbie Puno, are ready to give him the Gilas coaching job on a permanent basis.

Given Gilas’ performance in the Asian Games, however, it can be a very likely scenario.

“Coach Yeng was a revelation [especially on] how he managed to bring the team together [considering the] different personalities from different teams and how Jordan Clarkson also blended with the team,” Pangilinan continued. “Coach Yeng has done a magnificent job.”

He later said that the PBA is more than willing to support the cause.

“Binuksan na ang pinto ng PBA kay Yeng,” Pangilinan further said.

“Mr. MVP” also said that Coach Chot Reyes is willing to give way should Guiao gets the job for good.

“Hindi naman maiinggit si Chot. Kinausap na niya ako. Alam naman niya (Chot won’t get jealous. He already talked to me, he knows it),” Pangilinan said.