Be more mature.
That’s the simple reminder of Coach Yeng Guiao to NLEX, particularly to JR Quinahan after the veteran big man’s ejection in their 92-102 defeat against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday night’s 2020 PBA Philippine Cup opener.
“We have to be more mature. We have to accept that things like that can happen. And it could’ve been avoided,” said Guiao during the PBA media availability session the morning after the stinging loss.
Quinahan got booted out with 1:37 remaining in the third canto after being slapped with a technical foul for resentment to a call, as he complained about the foul he got called for against Joe Devance.
It followed the flagrant foul penalty one he got whistled for with less than seven minutes to go in the opening period, which he received after hitting Stanley Pringle in the face mid-air as the latter soared for a lay-up.
That ended what had been an impressive night for him offensively. He left the game with a game-best 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting from the field, along with two blocks, a rebound, an assist, and a steal in 23 minutes.
With that, he became the second player on opening night to be ejected after former teammate Poy Erram. Erram was sent out of TNT’s clash versus Alaska in the very same manner, although the Tropang GIGA won 100-95.
The 36-year-old Cebuano’s absence was a major factor, admitted Guiao. And so the outspoken mentor reminded Quinahan that the team cannot afford to lose him that way in their future games.
“Malaking bagay. We were actually still in the game when JR got ejected. And he was playing really well — actually, he was playing the best game for us at that point. So he was a big loss,” said the decorated bench tactician.
“I actually told JR that as a leader and as a veteran, that should not happen, especially when he’s playing that well. But that’s over and done with. We just need to look forward to our next game.”
