Guiao accepts fate as Gilas pulls out of Asiad: "That has been already set"

Coach Yeng Guiao said that he is "just a loyal soldier" waiting for orders. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--With the SBP pulling the plug on the Philippines' participation in the Asian Games men's basketball competition, Coach Yeng Guiao can only accept it as his supposed national team return was stalled.

"That has been already set. I think we just have to look forward and prepare for the next window, which is the qualifier which I think is in September," the current NLEX mentor said. "Tapos na eh. I don't think I can contribute anything more to the discussion."

Guiao was formally named as the head coach of the national team for the Asian Games on July 25.

However, hours after the said announcement, the SBP suddenly announced that Gilas will be backing out of the Asiad, which will start on Aug. 18 in Jakarta.

Despite the sad news, Guiao expressed his readiness if in case he will be called up to coach Gilas.

"I'm just a loyal soldier na, kung iuutos sa akin na, bukas kunyari, 'Coach Yeng, ikaw ang magko-coach. Maghanda ka,' gagawin ko. Kung sabihin sa akin na, 'Mag-stay ka. Dyan ka lang. Wala kang gagawin,' dyan lang. I just take orders," continued Guiao, who last coached the Philippine team in 2009, leading a group mainly composed of PBA stars in the FIBA Asia Championship.

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