We’ll know if we’re doing it right with this team or not – Guiao

Overlapping schedules continues to keep national coach Yeng Guiao from enjoying a full attendance in his RP/PBA-FIBA Asia team three weeks before a mini-tournament arranged by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

"We still have a problem completing the lineup in practice," bared Guiao, who nonetheless worked with James Yap, Arwind Santos, Asi Taulava, Kerby Raymundo, Gabe Norwood and Cyrus Baguio Monday evening at The Arena in San Juan.
Three players from the 14-man roster – Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes of Sta. Lucia Realty and Mick Pennisi of San Miguel Beer – are expected in practice Thursday with three days rest following the grueling Philippine Cup semifinals.

Four others who are in the Finals – Willie Miller and Sonny Thoss of Alaska and Ranidel de Ocampo and Jared Dillinger of Talk 'N Text – will be joining the RP team later, while Jayjay Helterbrand of Barangay Ginebra is to be back from the States early next month.

"If we can get nine or 10 players, it will be good enough for us," Guiao said. "I don't expect 100 percent attendance at this point. But after the Finals, maybe by then we can impose on them, compel them to be present."

Asked if one of two new candidates, outside Fil-American Japeth Aguilar who is due in May, can be expected in light of the attendance concern, Guiao said: "I'm not thinking or replacements or anything like that. We'll just put a little pressure for the players to attend."

Guiao said the planned mini-tournament, which would bring together the all-PBA squad against the Singapore Slingers, a Puerto Rican team and Serbian coach Rajko Toroman's developmental RP team around the third week of February, should allow them to measure their progress – limited though it may be.

"We have to feel some sense of urgency," said Guiao. "I know it's early, but unless you're competing or getting prepared for a competition, wala pa talaga yung urgency."

A tournament, not just an exhibition game, Guiao said, is what his team needs.

"Mentally, it's going to give us that sense. Mailalabas din nila yung kanilang competitive juices."

More important, Guiao feels the four-team competition, about six weeks ahead of the Southeast Asian Basketball Association tournament in Kuala Lumpur, followed by an invitational in Qatar and the Jones Cup in Taipei in July, will give them ample time to make the necessary adjustments.

"We'll know if we're doing it right with this team or not," he said.


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