Yeng Guiao remains cautious of Ginebra in the upcoming PBA season despite the potential absence of Justin Brownlee, who failed a drug test during the recently concluded 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
While he believes it could provide other teams with a better chance of going deeper into the playoffs, the Rain or Shine mentor warned that the Kings are more than capable of resolving such a significant issue.
“Alam naman natin ‘pag nandiyan si Brownlee, either finalist or champion ang Ginebra,” he said during the league’s Media Day on Tuesday at One Esplanade.
“Pero kailangan din mag-ingat muna tayo roon sa thought na ‘yun. Kasi with the resources of Ginebra, the expertise of their coaching staff, and their scouting abilities, kayang-kaya nila kumuha ng magaling na import ulit.”
Guiao himself has lost to the three-time Best Import in the past, most recently in the 2022 Governors’ Cup best-of-5 semifinals. There, NLEX was swept by the eventual back-to-back champions.
But for this season, and perhaps longer, there’s the potential that the decorated bench tactician — now in his second season back in the helm for Rain or Shine — won’t have to face another Brownlee conundrum.
The 35-year-old is facing provisional suspension after traces of 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC, a substance linked to cannabis use, were found in his system.
Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua said just last week that the club is already looking for a replacement, and that’s exactly where Guiao’s concern arises.
“Though alam natin medyo merong kasamang swerte, pero ‘yun nga, sabi ko, if you have the resources, if you have the expertise, and the network which Ginebra has, kaya nilang maghanap ng magaling din na import,” he said.
The two-time PBA Coach of the Year said that whoever the import may be will have big shoes to fill, although he’s certain that the reigning Commissioner’s Cup champions could find someone who can be as effective in helping them secure wins.
“Ang hahanapin mo hindi naman yung eksaktong kasing-style ng laro niya eh,” he offered. “Hahanapin mo rin siyempre ‘yung medyo maiiba; you’re really not looking for another Justin Brownlee, there is only one Justin Brownlee.
“But I’m sure they can figure that out. I’m sure they can find somebody who might be helpful in some other ways, but as effective in giving them wins.”
