Prior to NLEX’s match versus the Alaska Aces on Wednesday, the team’s official social media account announced that head coach Yeng Guiao would not be around as he is on a break following his grueling schedule over the past few months.
Guiao had to juggle his coaching duties with the Road Warriors and Gilas Pilipinas, plus trekking on the campaign trail for congressman in Pampanga leading up to the midterm elections last May. He will be out for three games.
Lead assistant Jojo Lastimosa had the task of manning the sidelines for the Road Warriors. According to the PBA legend, Guiao left a mission for him and the rest of the team: for NLEX to win all of their games while he’s away.
“Coach Yeng is in Europe. He’s on a cruise.
“It’s a treat from his family to get away from the game a little bit. And to the things that happened to him in the last few weeks, the elections … Three games siyang mawawala. Sabi niya pagbalik niya, three-zero,” Lastimosa said.
Unfortunately, they did not reach that goal.
Behind a well-deployed attack by the Aces – where Jeron Teng lead five more Milkmen in scoring – the Road Warriors lost, 87-100. They fall deeper in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as they are now at 0-3.
“Hindi na makukuha yung target na yun.”
Wednesday’s game was their first with import Tony Mitchell. Mitchell, who was supposed to play Saturday until documentation issues barred him, finished with a game-high 34 points and eight rebounds.
Lastimosa said that they really have to work on their chemistry with the former NBA cager, however, especially since they aim to reach the playoffs of the mid-season joust – something they failed to do in last season’s edition.
And of course, to give Guiao something to cheer about once he returns home.
“Si Tony, he hasn’t had enough practice time with us. Even yesterday, he was late because he had to secure his license doon sa GAB (Games and Amusement Board). And wala pa siyang time actually para sa team to practice,” he bared.
“It would be good for us for the next couple of days that he can work with the other guys and be familiar with the way they play. Kasi yung offense namin, the way how they played, it was out of sync,” Lastimosa added.
“But we still have our next two games. We have to figure out a way.”
