Despite leading Rain or Shine’s walkout in Game 6 that cost the franchise a hefty penalty of P2 million, coach Yeng Guiao still enjoys the full support of team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que.
Although the two were surprised when Guiao ordered his Elasto Painters to leave the court with 11:39 left in the second quarter of Game 6 with San Mig Super Coffee up, 30-17, Yu and Que stood by Guiao, whose coaching style has been criticized by PBA fans and basketball observers.
“It was a spontaneous thing, hindi s’ya ‘yung pinag-planuhan na gagawin,” said Yu, who together with Que and Guiao, joined the meeting called by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud yesterday at the PBA Commissioner’s Office.
“I knew there was a walkout when our utility guy was already pulling the team’s Gatorade cooler (back to the dugout), that was when it hit me. But as I’ve said, when I got to the dugout, there was already a decision by coach Yeng and Atty. (Mamerto) Mondragon to return,” added Yu.
Guaio’s actions actually triggered a comeback by Rain or Shine as it trimmed the deficit to just 43-49 at halftime break. By the end of the third period, Guiao’s team was already ahead, 67-66.
However, the Elasto Painters lost the game and the best-of-seven title series as the Mixers scored a 93-87 victory.
Que said despite the actions of Guiao, they still feel confident with him since he is the one who gave the franchise it’s first and so far only championship after they won the 2012 Governors’ Cup.
“He’s the one who put Rain or Shine in the basketball map,” said Que.
When asked if there is a plan for them to ask Guiao to mellow down, Yu said no. (Waylon Galvez)