By REYNALD MAGALLON
It may be the end of the road for Yeng Guiao and NLEX but certainly not the final stop for the fiery mentor in terms of his coaching career is concerned.
The veteran coach feels that he still has a lot to offer and share with his players that he declined a ‘tempting’ offer for a corporate job at NLEX.
Accepting that, however, would mean Guiao will be setting his drawing board aside – something he admitted he is not yet ready to do.
“I feel marami pa akong pwedeng i-contribute sa coaching but the problem there was the opportunity they were giving me was to be a part of their corporate setup. Napakaganda ng offer nila, it’s very tempting.” said Guiao in an interview with Power and Play with Kom Noli Eala on Saturday, Sept. 3.
“Actually, pinagusapan namin ng family ko. But accepting that offer would mean lalayo ako sa coaching. Eh ayoko pa naman, tingin ko makakapag-contribute pa ako,” added the 63-year-old mentor.
Guiao confirmed that he already bid his farewell to his players and coaching staff with a heavy heart. He, however, knew full well that it was part of the nature of the job.
“Yung mga players, kahapon, kinausap ko na sila. Malungkot eh, pati ‘yung aming mga support staff. Mga utility, trainers namin. Malungkot pero kasama yan sa buhay ng coach. Pagkapasok mo, unang araw mo sa pagko-coach, kailangan nasa isip mo na na darating yung araw na ganoon. Ako, nakahanda na, but I thank them,” added Guiao.
Guiao added that he is also aware of the risk he is taking, especially if there will be no offers from other teams.
“It was in the corporate position so I’m not ready to retire (from coaching) pero at the same time, I’m taking a risk because hindi natin alam kung mayroong interested pa,” said Guiao.
“Once you test the market, you are not sure anong mangyayari. But at the same time, handa rin ako for that. I’m ready to take care of the my personal matters, personal business, so ganoon talaga. I’d like to be able to explore or make myself available if there is an opportunity to still coach,” he added.
Guiao, however, rued the missed chance of handling the Road Warriors and helping them get over the hump in the playoffs. Under him, NLEX made it twice to the semifinals and were actually free throws away from repeating the feat in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup.
Guiao said he felt he is a better coach right now compared to when he took over NLEX six years ago.
“Actually, ang tingin ko, mas magaling ako mag-coach ngayon kaysa noong una akong dumating sa NLEX. Six years of experience, going to the World Cup, going to the Asian Games. Alam mo, kahit minsan short ka sa goals mo, minsan mas marami kang natutunan during your failures, shortcomings. Nandoon yung wisdom, experience, and knowledge, fresh na fresh. Pag nag stop ako, baka hindi ko na mai-share sa iba.”
