Guiao regrets bungled chance

Three days after getting appointed, Yeng Guiao’s stint as head coach of the national men’s basketball team came to an end after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas made a shocking withdrawal of its participation in the 18th Asian Games.

Guiao said he was surprised with the decision, but still thankful to the federation and the Philippine Basketball Association for considering him.

“There’s regret, but I’m still happy being the head coach for just three days,” said the fiery NLEX head coach.

Guiao accepted the job without any hesitation.

With Gilas Pilpinas mentor Chot Reyes and assistant Jong Uichico getting embroiled in one of the ugliest brawls in international play, SBP had no choice but to look for a coach who an redeem the country from a seventh-place finish in 2014.

The PBA also tasked Rain or Shine to spearhead the squad together with some NLEX, Gilas cadet and Filipino-foreign players, including Jordan Clarkson and Christian Standhardinger.

But Clarkson’s possible participation bogged down, prompting the SBP to make a U-turn and withdraw its participation.

Guiao said it’s going to be very difficult to compete against the likes of China, Japan, Iran and South Korea if the best players won’t be on the roster.

“In the process of trying to complete the lineup, there were doubts whether we can still acquire the players we requested,” he said.

“Are we trying to seriously compete or just trying to participate?”

This led to a lengthy meeting Thursday night among Guiao, SBP chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan, SBP president Al Panlilio, Reyes and Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia that made them decide to pull the team out for good.

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