WHAT’S wrong with appointing Yeng Guiao as the permanent coach of Gilas Pilipinas? Now?
Did he not seal our shining third-place finish in the Fiba World qualifiers?
Not easy to achieve that.
Our win over Qatar should do it, clinch it for Yeng.
We were down 17 points for most of the 40-minute contest.
The Qataris were hefty, taller than us.
And yet, we nibbled away at that huge deficit before we eventually nailed a 92-81 triumph for our gallant 5-3 finish in the standings.
What better proof do we need to make Yeng coach Gilas up to December?
Chot Reyes was the coach Yeng Guiao has replaced.
In fairness, Chot was doing well. Until that “basket brawl” between Gilas and Australia.
Chot was sacked by the Fiba for having allegedly egged on his players to “kick ass.”
Jong Uichico, Chot’s usually cool and calm deputy, got “carried away” and joined the fracas.
Like Chot, Jong also got the Fiba boot.
Next, they were replaced by Yeng Guiao and Caloy Garcia.
I raise a glass to Caloy.
Although he is head coach of Rain or Shine from where the bulk of Gilas’ players came from, Caloy didn’t sulk.
He readily accepted the call of duty for flag and country and obediently acceded to being Yeng’s deputy.
Well, they were a team at Rain or Shine before Yeng moved to NLEx, leaving Caloy to man the fort.
Their reunion seems to be producing positive results for Gilas.
So, why rock the boat? Let them be.
Yes, Chot Reyes and Jong Uchico have served their suspensions.
But look at this: Chot had earlier issued a statement saying he was retiring as Gilas coach.
So, what’s stopping my tocayo Al Panlilio, the president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, from officially naming Yeng Guiao as Chot Reyes’ replacement?
In the first place, Yeng himself had publicly announced he was ready to continue serving as Gilas coach.
In the second place, Yeng’s system has been largely accepted as even his wards had issued testimonies of their adherence to it.
Let’s not dilly-dally, please?
Teka-teka a.k.a. “delaying the game” has been known universally as the quickest formula for failure.
Give Yeng Guiao that coaching job for his peace of mind.
It’d do Gilas good, too.