Guiao confident of finally winning All-Filipino title

RAIN OR SHINE head coach Yeng Guiao has already won several titles in the PBA but none of them All-Filipino crowns.

Now, Guiao has another crack at the prestigious title as the Elasto Painters advanced to the championship round following a 90-83 win against the San Mig Coffee Mixers in Game 6 of their semifinal series.

It will be an uphill climb, though, for the Painters as they face the top-seed and defending champion Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in a best-of-seven series starting Wednesday.

Guiao in a report at pba.ph said he feels he has what it takes to finally nail the All-Filipino crown.

“I have a younger team,” said Guiao, comparing his current squad to the first two teams – Sarsi in 1991 and Red Bull in 2005 – he steered to the All-Filipino Finals.

“We’re coming off a championship that contributed to our mental strength. We’re tougher. We have the momentum and our bench is healthy,” Guiao also said.

The fiery Kapampangan coach happens to be the winningest PBA coach without a Philippine Cup championship. He has six titles – all import-laced tourneys.

“Motivated ang team to win the all-Filipino conference. Alam nilang malaking achievement na panaluhan ito na kami-kami lang,” said Guiao.

Meanwhile, coach Norman Black of the Texters believes facing the Painters will also be a tough challenge for the team aiming for its third All-Filipino crown. Talk “n Text advanced after beating the Alaska Aces in the semis.

“Rain or Shine is a different package as far as competition is concerned. They have big guys who can shoot from the outside and at the same time they’re very physical inside both offensively and defensively. They will pose us different problem,” said Black, who is eyeing  an 11th PBA title after winning nine for San Miguel Beer and one for Sta. Lucia Realty. /copy editor Brian J. Ochoa with reports from PBA.PH