Air21 coach Yeng Guiao is convinced their celebrated top draft picks
would make an impact right in their rookie year and help the team hit
big strides in the coming 36th PBA season.
Guiao said Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra have been
doing so well in practice, raising the energy and confidence of the
team.
The veteran Air21 bench tactician brims with confidence the Express
would give the other teams a run for their money with Baclao,
Al-Hussaini and Guevarra playing key roles right in their rookie year
in the pros.
“Based on what I see in practice, these guys will play like veterans
not as rookies,” said Guiao.
“I intend to give them the minutes and I don’t think our veterans
would be offended. I believe they would accept the reality that we
need help from these young guys,” Guiao added.
Guiao expects Al-Hussaini to establish himself as among the league’s
top big men, Baclao to carve his niche as a do-it-all forward and
Guevarra to boost their offensive power from the wing.
“Al-Hussaini really plays like a veteran and I haven’t seen the
negative things said of him. Sabi nila matigas ang ulo, uncoachable,
masama ugali. So far, wala naman syang pinapakita na ganon,” said
Guiao.
“Nonoy is the epitome of a role player. Not high profile but he would
do the dirty work. He’s not a big time scorer but will score when
needed. He’s on the ball every time,” said Guiao of the top draft
pick.
“Guevarra is athletic. He’s superior physically at No. 2 spot. He has
the height to play the No. 3 position. Kulang lang sa yabang. Mahiyain
at kailangan i-develop ang confidence,” said Guiao of their third
draft selection.
With these three players complementing the Air21 veterans, Guiao is
optimistic they can improve on their ninth place finish in last year’s
Philippine Cup.(pr)
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