Yeng Guiao is making sure he won’t fall into the same dilemma as Rain or Shine aims for a comeback against TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Many were surprised that TNT coach Chot Reyes got suspended for incurring five technical fouls ahead of Rain or Shine counterpart Yeng Guiao in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals.
Guiao himself was among them.
The fiery Elasto Painters mentor has gained the reputation as the one most likely to be whistled for a T more than any other coach in the league.
That’s why he couldn’t help but crack a joke when asked about it Friday night, July 4.
“Parang gusto akong i-dislodge sa title ko. Inunahan pa ako ni coach Chot, eh,” Guiao said in jest, drawing laughter from the members of the press at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
[ALSO READ: PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup: Schedule, results, standings, where to watch, and more]
Reyes had to sit out Game 5 of the ongoing semifinal series between TNT and Rain or Shine.
In the end, the Elasto Painters got a new lease on life with a much-needed 113-97 victory.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Gian Mamuyac picks perfect time to shine, fuels Elasto Painters' Game 5 win vs TNT]
They still have another shot at a Finals seat in Game 6 after trimming their series deficit to 2-3.
Assistant coach Josh Reyes (front) calls the shots for the TNT Tropang 5G in Game 5 in lieu of suspended coach Chot Reyes. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
In Game 1, Guiao also received two technical fouls for using profane language, leading to an outright ejection. Rain or Shine dropped the match, 91-98.
According to league commissioner Willie Marcial, a coach or player will receive a verbal warning after the third T, a written letter after the fourth, a suspension after the fifth, and another one-game ban after an eighth.
That’s why Guiao is trying to be careful not to get into the same predicament with Reyes, especially with the Elasto Painters aiming for a comeback in the semifinals.
“Pero malapit lapit na rin ako (ma-suspend). Umiiwas na rin ako pero tingnan natin, sana makaiwas naman ako," Guiao said.