YENG Guiao admitted the sudden departure of Kevin Alas due to a knee injury caught NLEX off-guarded in Game 5 of its PBA Philippine Cup semi-finals against Magnolia Pambansang Manok Sunday night.
Now the Road Warriors coach has the luxury of time to make the necessary adjustment with the looming absence of the young point guard for the rest of the best-of-seven series.
"Kung alam naman na wala siya, mas napag-handaan namin. Biglaan yung nangyari kaya nakakawala ng diskarte," said Guiao following his team's 87-78 loss to the Hotshots at the Ynares Center in Antipolo that moved the Road Warriors on the verge of elimination in the season-opening meet.
But it's certain now that the former Letran Knight will no longer be around for NLEX after confirming he suffered an ALC tear on his right knee. Initially, he'll be out for the rest of the season as recovery is projected to be within eight months.
Even in the event the injury was not serious, Guiao said he won't take the risk of aggravating the health of his young playmaker.
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"Siyempre mas mauuna yung health ni Kevin," said the NLEX mentor.
Without the other half of his explosive backcourt, Guiao is looking to give extended minutes to Juami Tiongson as he did in the Game 5 loss. Tiongson suited up for 18 minutes but only finished with two and held to a 1-of-7 shooting.
Kenneth Ighalo is another option, according to Guiao, who now has to rely more on rookie Kiefer Ravena to tend the NLEX backcourt.
The 26-year-old Alas averaged 9.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the semis series against the Hotshots.
He hurt his knee with only 40 seconds gone by in the first quarter of the last game and didn't return to action the rest of the way.
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