By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao gave his stamp of approval to the rule changes the PBA is set to implement in the upcoming season noting that it will be beneficial to Gilas Pilipinas and teams that also like to see action in the international stage.
The technical committee upon consultation with the coaches is now formally applying the coaches’ challenge while also removing the players’ timeout – both rules Guiao sees as a step towards the league getting closer to the FIBA rules.
Such development, according to Guiao, will have the players easily adjust to the international rules.
“Natutuwa ako kasi we’re getting closer to the FIBA rules and as I’ve said before that’s going to help our players who will become Gilas players,” said Guiao on Tuesday, Oct. 24 during the PBA media day at the One Esplanade in Pasay City.
Madalas din tayo ngayon lumabas at maglaro ng international games even yung mga individual teams not just our national team. Kami nakapaglaro kami ng Jones Cup. Meralco nakapaglaro ng Dubai. ‘Yung EASL, isa pang international tournament na we regularly participate in so dapat talaga adjust na tayo towards international rules,” said the outspoken mentor.
Guiao had been clamoring for the PBA to adjust the PBA rules to that of the FIBA and he was glad that the recent adjustments drew unanimous votes from the coaches.
“Magandang developments yun actually yung mga rules na iyon unanimous kaming mga coaches. We were consulted by the commissioner, by the technical committee we had meetings about that. We have video sessions about that na fine tune naman din nila,” said Guiao.
“I think mas refined na yung pag apply ng mga rules kasi napag usapan na namin kung saan pwedeng iimprove yung mga rules na iyon,” he added.
One particular rule change that excited Guiao though is the removal of the players’ timeout which, for him, would reward good defense of the teams.
“Isang malaking adjustment dyan yung no player timeouts that will also require tactical adjustments sa coaching aspect. Yt will also require adjustment sa players’ side na di na pwede sila tumawag,” noted Guiao.
“One good thing about that is it’s going to reward good defense. It’s going to reward effort and defensive intensity so wala ka nang bail out with the timeouts so I think that’s a good development.”
