RAIN or Shine's campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup may have come to an abrupt end, but Yeng Guiao nonetheless was pleased with what his team accomplished in his first conference back with the franchise.
The no. 8 seeded Elasto Painters were booted out in the first round of the playoffs by top seed Bay Area Dragons, 126-96, in a loss where Guiao still found some consolation.
"It's already an improvement. At least, nakapasok ngayon (sa quarterfinals)," said the Rain or Shine coach when asked about his assessment of the team's performance in the mid-season tournament.
"The first conference (between us) has been a period of adjustment. But at least, kahit in a period of adjustment, nagkaroon na ng kaunting progress, nagkaroon na ng improvement."
Rain or Shine hasn't made past the eliminations the last two conferences prior to Guiao coming back to the team which he steered to two championships in the past.
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But Guiao's take over of the Elasto Painters came so abrupt, he really didn't have the luxury of time adjusting to the players, and at the same time, scouting an import of his choice.
"Kasi pagdating ko dito, may iba silang import," said the champion coach, obviously referring to former US NCAA champion Daniel Ochefu.
A one-time member of the Nigeria national team, Ochefu didn't get to play a single game with the Elasto Painters, and was replaced by Steve Taylor Jr. one week before the conference kicked off.
"Parang nagmamadali kami nun. Hindi kami nagkaroon ng chance na mag-scout talaga ng import," said Guiao.
The 6-foot-9 Taylor went 4-4 in his eight-game stint with the team, but was later substituted by the smaller Ryan Pearson.
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The 6-foot-6 Pearson managed to help Rain or Shine reached the quarterfinals when it beat NLEX in the playoff for the remaining quarterfinals berth.
But now with the luxury of time, Guiao feels he'll be able to prepare the Elasto Painters more for the coming Governors' Cup.
"We're looking forward to the next conference because we'll have more time. I'd have more experience with the new guys, the guys we have now. And will have more time to pick an import," noted the Rain or Shine mentor. (RG)
