By NIKOLE JAVIER
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao was visibly upset over San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo for showing lack of ‘basic respect’ in Game 3 of their semifinal duel in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night, May 22.
In front of a full crowd at the Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite, Guiao confronted Romeo after the team’s 117-107 defeat.
Guiao’s outburst was understandable as it was already in “garbage time” when Romeo, who figured in numerous issues with previous teams, including his shouting match with former NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio, unleashed that 3-point shot.
“Basic respect. Alam mo naman na San Miguel is a class organization. Alam mo naman na kaibigan natin ‘yung coaching staff nila at ‘yung mga bosses doon. That’s just a minimum requirement for respect. Wala naman tayong quotient sa semis and hindi naman bagong player si Terrence eh. I’m sure alam niya ‘yun,” said Guiao.
“So, nagulat din ako na ganoon nangyari na medyo bastusan ang labas. I think the mere fact na they are the seeded number one, they are the best team with the best record, they have the best talent. That in itself should make them a class organization and part of being that us giving due respect doon sa mas mababa sa iyo,” he said.
Tensions flared as soon as the final buzzer was heard, with Romeo being restrained off the court.
Admittedly, the veteran tactician lost his temper and did not hold back in calling out Romeo for his last second action.
“Pero ‘yun nga hindi naman ginawa nga nangyari. So nagalit din ako, I lost my temper pero deserving sila. Kung bastusan naman ang labanan, ayaw mo naman mambastos pero pag binabastos ka, alangan namang magpapa-bully ka doon sa mga ganoon,” Guiao said.
“It’s just an expression of siguro of disappointment na expect mo doon sa ganoong situation matatapos kayo ng may respeto pa rin kayo sa isa’t isa. Maganda naman ‘yung laro eh. Wala namang nangyaring untoward, wala namang situation na pwedeng sabihin na nagj-justify sa ganoon. ‘Yun lang meron talagang ganoon, may tao talagang bastos. Wala tayong magagawa. May taong mayabang, may taong bastos. Wala tayong magagawa,” he concluded.
There’s unwritten rule among teams, not only in the PBA but also in other basketball leagues, especially those on the winning side, to not take a shot in the dying seconds as a sign of respect to the losing opponent.
Apparently, Romeo forgot about it — basic respect.
