Guiao: Caidic can still be RP 5’s 'special triggerman'

Coach Yeng Guiao’s much-awaited partnership with Allan Caidic turned out memorable it overshadowed the one-sided outcome of the game between our very own PBA Stars and the NBA Generations. But Friday night was indeed a reality check for the fiery mentor, who waited 19 years before finally fulfilling his wish of handling the player called as “The Triggerman." Five three-pointers in the first quarter were enough to convince Guiao that Caidic could still possibly play a special role in his all-pro national team if it’s given another shot at major Asian tournaments. Of course, the decision would have to come from Caidic himself. “Definitely, he has the talent," said Guiao, referring to the 45-year-old, 1990 PBA Most Valuable Player known for his shooting prowess. “Puwede pa talaga siya sa RP team because a player of his caliber was the one we lacked in the FIBA Asia Championship," said Guiao, whose team badly missed a consistent shooter and wound up eighth in the Asian tilt. “Of course, the biggest question there is kung willing ba siya na maglaro? If yes, he can play a special purpose for the team," added Guiao, who coached Caidic and the PBA selection in an 86-109 losing effort against the NBA Generations of legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night. That special purpose Guiao was referring to would have Caidic playing the role as the “designated hitter" for a few minutes, when the team badly needs to score treys. In the PBA, such role was given to hotshot Roel Gomez by Alaska coach Tim Cone during the then Milkmen’s successful campaign in the 1990s. The multi-titled bench tactician would insert Gomez in the game in the dying seconds to, well, shoot his long bombs. Powerade-Pilipinas mentor Guaio said Caidic still fits the bill today with his excellent marksmanship. Caidic retired at the end of the 1999 season as the record-holder for three-pointers in a single game with 17 as well as most points by an individual in a game with 79. During the PBA Selection’s first and only practice session, he buried 10 triples, giving Guiao an impression that his number could still be called anytime. - GMANews.TV