Guiao agrees 'in principle' to become Air21 coach

MANILA, Philippines – Yeng Guiao will be coaching the Air21 Express beginning the Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference next month. Guiao and Air21 reached an agreement Tuesday night. “In principle, we have agreed," Guiao said. “It’s all about formalizing the deal and tying loose ends." Guiao, a five-time PBA champion, resigned from Red Bull during the Holidays. He did not elaborate the details of the Air21 deal but confirmed that his contract is for two years. A formal signing is expected to take place within the week. With Guiao at the helm, hopes will be high for Air21, which hasn’t won a championship since entering the league in 2002. Guiao won two championships with Swift (1992, ’93) and three more with Red Bull (2001, ’02 and ’06). “One thing that made me decide to coach Air21 is because they have the talent and they have the substance," Guiao, also the RP national coach, said. “The team surely will be a contender next conference." Rhoel Nadurata, a long-time Guiao assistant, is being groomed to join the Air21 coaching staff. Gee Abanilla, another Guiao deputy, may be left behind with Red Bull because he is under contract. Bo Perasol, who guided Air21 to its best finish in franchise history last conference, will continue to be a part of the Express coaching staff. – GMANews.TV