Guiao: Real test will be against Talk N Text, Gilas

Multi-titled Philippine Basketball Association coach Yeng Guiao can’t recall the time when he handled a team that started with a 3-0 record. But for the fiery bench tactician, it’s a good way to cherish the win streak of a team that has set a new milestone in the pro league – the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. The Elasto Painters won, 102-92, over the Powerade Tigers, Sunday at the Big Dome for their third straight win and best start in franchise history.

“Hindi ko na matandaan," said Guiao when asked when it was that he led a team to a 3-0 start. “It’s kind of different for me, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in this situation. It’s nice to keep the win streak going, and I’ve learned this is the best start for the franchise so far, so we’re just trying to enjoy the moment. We just have to keep going as long as we can." Prior to this win, Guiao’s only 3-0 start happened in the 2007 Fiesta Conference while handling Red Bull. Now Guiao has a chance to do even better while calling the shots for the team with the youngest age average of 27.1. “We’re trying to play as a team, not rely more on Hassan Adams, although we know he can carry us on his shoulders. We want our locals to carry the win as much as possible," said Guiao, whose team played all-Filipino for several stretches in the fourth period. Without Adams on the floor, the Elasto Painters lost their 16-point lead, 53-37, late in the second quarter. But Guiao remained confident and continued to trust his locals to carry the brunt most of the way. He sent his import back to action only in the last five minutes of the game. “The guys are feeling good. I had a feeling we could pull off this win. This is also a way to toughen up the locals. Everything is a work in progress for us. We finished sloppy, but 10 points is still 10 points. I just want to make an explanation regarding our last play. We tried to go for the last basket, not to disrespect the other team, but because we were cautious about the quotient system," added Guiao. But for Guiao, the real tests take place in their next two games – against reigning All-Filipino champion Talk N Text and guest team Pilipinas-Smart Gilas. “I don’t think we’ve proven enough. For me, the real test will be against Talk N Text and Smart Gilas. Talk N Text is the strongest team on paper, while Smart Gilas is playing better and better. We really want to know if our team is for real," Guiao concluded. - KY, GMA News