NLEX coach Guiao says he didn't have final say in trade for 4th pick

Coach Yeng Guiao said that he was not keen on trading the number four pick. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Coach Yeng Guiao said that he tried to convince the NLEX higher ups not to give up the number four pick of the regular PBA Draft in hopes of making his lineup more formidable ahead of the upcoming season.

However, he rued that the big bosses stood by their intent to trade the said pick to TNT.

[Related Story: TNT lands no. 4 pick in trade with NLEX, Blackwater]

"We have discussed thoroughly the recently concluded trade between Blackwater, TNT, and NLEX within the organization, and I have strongly indicated my position on the matter. Unfortunately, I do not make the final decisions," said Guiao, also the Road Warriors' team manager, on Saturday.

In spite of losing a building block for the future, he said that he will abide at what the higher ups are doing for the betterment of the team.

"I remain a good soldier and team player. We will move forward from this trade with a positive outlook and focus on our preparation to put together a competitive team for this coming season," Guiao further said.

NLEX actually looked like the big winner of the said trade as they got three veterans, namely Roi Sumang, Don Trollano, and Maurice Shaw, plus Blackwater's 2022 second round pick.

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