08-07-2025
PBA: Yeng Guiao says semis loss to TNT still a 'victory' for ROS
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao remains optimistic that their recent series loss to TNT is simply another step toward shaping Elasto Painters into becoming a legit title contender in the years to come.
The outspoken head coach, though, admitted feeling disappointed as he was confident that they had the potential to push the Tropang 5G to at a winner-take-all Game 7 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals.
Still, he stressed that reaching Game 6 is already a significant win for the franchise.
"It's disappointing. We felt na this was a big chance for us to at least take it to a Game 7, but wala e. Last three minutes, we missed some shots, we made some turnovers," Guiao said.
"Again, it's closing out games, 'yun pa rin 'yung problema namin. We could not close it out, we couldn't make big plays when we needed them most. But we still look at it as a positive development for the team."
The recent loss marked Rain or Shine's third straight playoff defeat at the hands of TNT as they also bowed to them in the semifinals stages of both the Season 49 Governors' Cup and Commissioners' Cup.
But Guiao was steadfast in his belief that that they can finally get over the hump when they begin a new campaign later this year.
"We still look at it as victory overall for us. The consistency of the team of making four semifinals stints, going through all of that, tingin ko nag-a-add doon sa experience, sa knowledge 'yung mga batang players namin," he said.
"I think they need to experience disappointments, they need to experience playing with the good teams and closing out games. Overall, it's still a positive conference for us."
Right now, all Guiao and the Elasto Painters could do is improve individually and as one unit.
Guiao shared they are hoping to have a healthy roster back come their next campaign with veteran big man Beau Belga as well as young ballers Luis Villegas and Felix Lemetti all expected to join the squad. Belga was earlier diagnosed with vertigo while Villegas and Lemetti sustained an ACL and hand injury, respectively.
"Tingin ko, hindi naman kailangan ng malaking overhaul 'yung team e. Ang importante lang sa amin ay makabalik si Beau, makalaro si Luis, and then makabalik si Felix. And then maybe we can think of an upgrade after that."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
