NLEX moved up to solo fourth in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup standings following its 94-76 victory over Phoenix Super LPG, Saturday evening.
That, indeed, is good news for any team in a playoff race that will reward the top two teams with a twice-to-beat advantage for the playoffs.
Asked about their rise, Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao bluntly admitted that he wasn’t actually looking at the rankings anymore.
“To be honest, I don’t even know what place we’re in. ‘Di ko na tinitignan yung standings,” he said postgame at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor.
Guiao went on to explain further, saying that he’s most concerned about the safety of each and every member of the Road Warriors amidst the ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We’re doing it on a game-to-game basis kasi ang hirap. In my last interview, as I said you’re only as good as your last swab test.
“’Pag sumabit ka sa swab test, ang hirap bumalik,” said the decorated mentor.
“Mawawala ka sa rhythm, practice mo maiistorbo, players mo magka-quarantine, games mo magre-reset. So we’re just looking to manage our virus situation the best way we can, and compete at the same time,” he continued.
The pandemic has indeed affected the league. Saturday, for instance, was supposed to feature two games, but the San Miguel-Alaska tilt got postponed in accordance with the league’s health and safety protocols.
Same with Northport, a team that was not booked for any game this week due to protocols. The Batang Pier were coming off two close games against Ginebra and San Miguel prior to the imposition of ECQ in NCR-plus.
Guiao said that they actually have two enemies to take care of in the Pampanga bubble — the virus and the games per se.
“Dalawa kalaban mo rito eh, yung virus, at yung competition. ‘Pag tinalo ka ng virus, wala kang competition, bakasyon ka.
“As a coach, there is an added responsibility to try and keep your guys as safe as possible, so that you can compete. Karagdagang pressure yun, karagdagang responsibility sa mga teams,” the 62-year-old added.
That is why Guiao is simply happy with the fact that his NLEX continues to play, regardless of where his team is in the standings.
“Kaya ‘di na namin iniintindi na fourth-place kami. We’re just happy we’re able to play. We’re just happy every time we test negative, there’s a big sigh of relief for everyone.”
