Yeng Guiao accepts job as Asian Games head coach

Multi-titled mentor Yeng Guiao has accepted the job to coach the Gilas Pilipinas for the 2018 Asian Games.

The tournament will take place from August 14 to September 1 in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.

“Who could say no to their country?” Guiao said on Wednesday evening, as he visited the tune-up game of Batang Gilas against Tai Shan Senior High School at the Meralco Gym.

Guiao previously served as the head coach of Powerade Team Pilipinas back in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship. The team finished in eighth place.

However, Guiao’s wishlist of players was cut short due to two things: the suspension of Gilas players during the basketbrawl that occurred last July 2 and the PBA schedule.

Originally, the core of the TNT Katropa, Andray Blatche, and three Gilas Cadets would compose the lineup for the Asiad.

But the multi-titled tactician is embracing the challenge of building and prepping this team for the quadrennial meet.

“Ganun naman tayo e, we’ll cram everything we can starting next week,” shared Guiao as his pool will most likely include a couple of Gilas Cadets as well.

He is expected to name his team, which will include the core of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, by August 3.