Yeng Guiao does not know how Rain or Shine ended up being the Philippines’ representative for the 2023 William Jones Cup.
But he is just glad that Rain or Shine owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que accepted the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ offer to do so.
“Mabilis yung mga pangyayari.
“I was already here in Bali when we got confirmation for our participation. Not sure of what happened,” Guiao shared to CNN Sportsdesk on Wednesday evening.
“Yung mga boss namin sa Rain or Shine, they are always ready to answer the call of duty. When we were invited, hindi kami nagdalawang isip,” he continued.
The last time Rain or Shine stepped up to the plate to represent the Philippines was back in 2018 for the Asian Games, sending the core of the Elasto Painters to Gilas Pilipinas.
But against national teams and international clubs, Rain or Shine needed a solid big man.
Enter Angelo Kouame.
The UAAP Season 84 Most Valuable Player has been training with Gilas Pilipinas over the past few months, helping the national team prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Kouame though is at the back of the pecking order for the one naturalized spot for the Philippines, behind Jordan Clarkson and Justin Brownlee.
So the SBP offered Kouame to Rain or Shine for the returning tournament.
“I was surprised at first. I didn’t know that a PBA team will join this tournament,” said Kouame.
“When I got the call from Boss Butch (Antonio) to play, I accepted it immediately.”
This will be Kouame’s second appearance in the Jones Cup as he was part of the Ateneo de Manila University team back in the 2018 edition of the tournament.
“First time I am working with Ange and I am sure he can help the team. Madami na siyang international experience na madadala sa team,” said Guiao.
What excites the 6-foot-10 naturalized Filipino the most is that he gets to be under Guiao.
Many of his fellow Blue Eagles like Kiefer Ravena, Matt Nieto, Anton Asistio, and Shaun Ildefonso have shared numerous stories about Guiao to Kouame. This includes the tough love Guiao gives his players during games and the fatherly advice he gives them off the court.
“I really hear a lot of good stories about Coach Yeng. It’s a blessing for me to play for him. I’m excited to play for Rain or Shine,” shared the 25-year-old Kouame.
Kouame, who is still recovering from a knee injury, bared that he is almost at 90-percent with regards to gaining his full strength.
By August, he believes that he will be ready.
For Guiao, Kouame is a pivotal piece in their aspirations of giving the country its seventh Jones Cup.
“Relatively, we are a small team. Ange will give us some height and size, especially since we are going up against national teams that are bigger than us. The center slot for us is the most important when you play international basketball. Baka hindi kami sumali pag hindi kami makakuha ng import. When Ange was available, we said let’s go,” said Guiao, who is in Bali, Indonesia for a much-needed break.
“We are thankful to the SBP for lending him to us. We hope we can represent the country well with Ange.”
