Yeng Won’t Take Leave During Campaign

(From Manila Standard Today)

YENG Guiao is not taking a leave as coach of Air21.

The fiery mentor squelched speculations that he will file for a temporary leave of absence as head mentor of the Express at the height of the nationwide election campaign period.

Guiao is running as vice governor of Pampanga.

“I must admit, we’re really busy at this time,” Guiao told Standard Today. “But we’ve prepared for this and I’m sure nakagawa na kami ng kani-kaniyang adjustments. Malaking sakripisyo talaga ang kailangang gawin, pero I will be there sa games and practices ng Air21 and won’t take a leave of absence.”

Rumors that Guiao would take a leave of absence swirled around as early as last year when he handled the Powerade-Pilipinas men’s basketball team in the FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship in Tianjin, China.

Air21 team manager and Philippine Basketball Association chairman Lito Alvarez said that Guiao didn’t even bring the possibility of taking a leave of absence.

“I don’t think kailangan siyang mag-leave, dahil malakas na naman siya sa Pampanga as vice governor,” said Alvarez. “Tingin ko, malaki talaga ang chance niya na manalo ulit even without taking a leave of absence. Naka-programa na ‘yung schedule ni coach Yeng.”

Guiao, whose Air21 team just notched its first win by defeating Barako Coffee, 113-108, Sunday night, also said that the Express are taking their time to include an additional personnel in their coaching staff.

“We have to play it by ear as far as tapping an assistant coach,” said Guiao, who has long-time assistant Rhoel Nadurata as his lone deputy in the squad. “But I can recommend. It’s up to the management if they will approve it.”

Meanwhile, Gary David was named first Accel Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps’ Player of the Week for the ongoing Fiesta Conference.

Asi Taulava and Chico Lanete took turns shining in the Tigers’ two wins in as many outings, but it was the steady plays of the man known for his dynamic qualities that fueled the team’s surge to the early lead in the import-flavored tournament.