PBA: Express to decide on Guiao's future

Multi-titled coach Yeng Guiao and Air21 management will meet on Thursday and discuss the team’s direction for the two import-flavored conferences. But first things first. The Express will need to sign up the five-time Philippine Basketball Association champion coach to a contract renewal before planning the team’s immediate future. Guiao’s contract expired Dec. 31, 2010.

“May appointment na ako to meet the Air21 bosses," Guiao told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. “First things first, kailangan ayusin muna nila yung contract ko. Of course, I have been thinking on whether they're still interested in my services or not, considering that my contract has already expired and there were no offers given to me until recently when I got this appointment to meet with management." The former national team head coach will sit down with the team’s board representative Johan Ramos. Earlier, Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio made a recommendation to Ramos for the contract extension of Guiao at least until the rest of the season. The Express failed to advance past the quarterfinal round and wound up seventh in the ongoing Philippine Cup. “If you’re going to ask me, it’s not fair if we evaluate coach Yeng after only one conference, considering the ins and outs of players on the team. I think we should give him a contract extension of at least until the rest of the season. But my opinion is not the personal stand of Air21," said Gregorio, who joined the Express before the start of the 36th season along with Ramos. Both team executives were appointed to their new positions after Lito Alvarez, the team’s former board representative and team manager, assumed a position in government. Alvarez is now the Bureau of Customs commissioner. Gatumbato might stay with the Express One player who has caught the fancy of everyone in the Express camp is Lou Gatumbato. Once an undrafted rookie in the PBA, the former College of St. Benilde star proved to all and sundry he deserves a shot in the big league. He joined the Express in the latter stretch of the Philippine Cup to replace the injured Marcy Arellano, but his presence wasn't enough to help his team get past powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinal round. But Guiao expects Air21 management to give Gatumbato a contract extension. “Lou did well for us and we have plans of renewing his contract. But we’re still looking for two more players who can fill up both our point guard position and our frontline," said Guiao, who added that a quick big man is needed to help out Rabeh Al-Hussaini, JR Quiñahan, Nonoy Baclao and Carlo Sharma “Kailangan kasi namin ng malaki na medyo mabilis sa mga match-ups, lalo na sa coming conferences na may mga imports," he explained. The Second Conference will feature imports not taller than 6-foot-4. Guiao added that the Express’ wing positions, manned by Ronjay Buenafe and Wesley Gonzales, remain pretty solid, especially with the expected return to action of Ronnie Matias, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the latter stage of the Philippine Cup elims. - KY, GMANews.TV