NLEX coach Yeng Guiao is hoping that Manny Harris’ impressive debut will be a sign of things to come and lead him to another successful title run much like a more prominent Harris did when he took the PBA by storm in the 90s.
“Sana may swerte sa mga Harris,” Guiao said after the Road Warriors’ 117-111 win over the Columbian Dyip last Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Tony Harris gave Guiao his first PBA title in 1992 when the Swift Mighty Meaties swept the 7-Up Uncolas in the Third Conference Finals.
Prior to that conquest, Harris made headlines by scoring 105 points in a game held in Iloilo City.
Manny Harris may not be as explosive, or even as volatile as “The Hurricane,” but there’s promise that the former NBA player can lead NLEX to new heights as it hopes to make some noise after disappointing campaigns in the previous conferences.
He opened his stint as replacement to Olu Ashaolu with 45 points, making a key three-point play late that prevented Columbian from completing a comeback victory.
“Of course, totally different type of player than Tony,” Guiao said. “Of course, I’ve had very memorable times with Tony, I hope same thing we’ll have memorable times also.”
The Road Warriors currently hold a 5-1 record, in good position not only to make the quarterfinals but also claim a twice-to-beat advantage given to the top four teams after the eliminations.
NLEX won’t see action until Oct. 25 when it plays unbeaten TNT KaTropa at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Things appear to look easy the rest of the way.
Three of the Road Warriors’ next four games after the KaTropa meeting are against teams currently with losing records.
They are Rain or Shine (1-5) on Oct. 30, NorthPort (2-4) on Nov. 13 and Alaska (1-5) on Nov. 20.
Also on tap for NLEX is a game opposite Magnolia (3-3) on Nov. 10. (Jonas Terrado)
