Coach Yeng Guiao expresses excitement in leading tallest PH team frontcourt

Coach Yeng Guiao expresses his excitement on Team Philippines’ tallest frontcourt lineup yet, which includes names like June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and Andray Blatche. (File Photo: NLEX Road Warriors/Facebook)

In anticipation of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers’ next leg happening from November 26 to December 4, 2018, Coach Yeng Guiao expressed his excitement on Team Philippines’ tallest frontcourt lineup yet, which included names like June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and Andray Blatche.

Coach Yeng stated, “For the first time in a long while, you will have June Mar, Greg, and Japeth playing together in a team with Blatche,” adding in Filipino, “Definitely, our lineup will really be taller.” He also denied assumptions that the team won’t be able to keep up with their opponents in speed, adding, “We’re not gonna get slower. June Mar and them can run.”

Fajardo, who currently plays for the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) also expressed his excitement, telling Business Mirror, “I missed playing for the national team. I can’t wait to suit up again. I’m excited especially returning in time for the two home games.”

Due to Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, and Troy Rosario still fulfilling their suspensions from the infamous brawl against Team Australia, Blatche who stands at 6’11” was granted eligibility to fulfill their position. Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle are also being considered for naturalization for the team’s game against host Kazakhstan on November 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Confirmation will come after the PBA board meets with Coach Guiao on Tuesday, November 6.

Guiao reported “We will just present the pool to the league board and present our training schedule as well,” concluding, “Basically that’s it for their approval more or less.”

Also included on the Filipino lineup are Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Alex Cabagnot, Poy Erram, Scottie Thompson, Marcio Lassiter, Raymond Almazan, Ian Sangalang, Allei Maliksi, Beau Belga, Matthew Wright, Kai Sotto and Asi Taulava.