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| Coach Yeng Guiao will continue to handle Gilas as its road to China reaches the most crucial stages. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Yeng Guiao has been named the head coach for Gilas Pilipinas on a permanent basis.
"It's no longer interim, and it's no longer temporary, so hanggang sa World Cup, at least until next year," said Guiao right after he announced his national team pool for the fifth window of the said tournament's continental qualifiers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Guiao was named the interim Gilas coach for the Asian Games and the fourth window of the FIBA WCQ following the complications arising from the one-game suspension handed by FIBA to erstwhile gaffer Chot Reyes for failing to control his players during the infamous Gilas-Australia brawl on July 2.
However, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan already hinted at a possibility of Guiao still leading the Nationals after the fourth window as early as September.
[Related Story: Guiao taking over Gilas for good possible says MVP]
A week after Pangilinan's statements, Reyes "stepped aside" from coaching Gilas, further leaning to the possibility that Guiao could become the permanent coach.
The current NLEX tactician himself confirmed the development.
"The formal appointment came out this morning before the [PBA board] meeting," Guiao said.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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