Guiao ‘looks forward’ to WCQ window after Gilas backs out of Asiad

“That has been already set. I think we just have to look forward and prepare for the next window, which is the qualifier which I think is in September,” the current NLEX mentor said. (File photo: Yeng Guiao/Facebook)

MANILA — With the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) pulling the plug on the Philippines’ participation in the Asian Games men’s basketball competition, Coach Yeng Guiao can only accept it as his supposed national team return was stalled.

“That has been already set. I think we just have to look forward and prepare for the next window, which is the qualifier which I think is in September,” the current NLEX mentor said. “Tapos na eh. I don’t think I can contribute anything more to the discussion.”

Guiao was formally named as the head coach of the national team for the Asian Games on July 25.

However, hours after the said announcement, the SBP suddenly announced that Gilas will be backing out of the Asiad, which will start on Aug. 18 in Jakarta.

Despite the sad news, Guiao expressed his readiness if in case he will be called up to coach Gilas.

“I’m just a loyal soldier na, kung iuutos sa akin na, bukas kunyari, ‘Coach Yeng, ikaw ang magko-coach. Maghanda ka,’ gagawin ko. Kung sabihin sa akin na, ‘Mag-stay ka. Dyan ka lang. Wala kang gagawin,’ dyan lang. (If ordered me, say tomorrow, ‘ Coach Yeng you coach. Be prepare,’ I’ll do it ) I just take orders,” said Guiao, who last coached the Philippine team in 2009, leading a group mainly composed of PBA stars in the FIBA Asia Championship.