Guiao says Lee’s absence gives ROS rookies chance to step up
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao is expecting his rookies like Maverick Ahanmisi to fill in the absence of Paul Lee. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao will be expecting a lot from his rookies in the absence of star guard Paul Lee.
Lee is sidelined with a left knee injury and he won’t be expected to return anytime soon.
“It’s an opportunity for our rookies to step in his shoes,” Guiao told reporters. “I was expecting a lot from our rookies. Understandably there will be a lot of adjustments, but ang taas ng expectations ko sa kanila eh.”
Though the numbers weren’t really eye-popping, the Elasto Painters rookies did a decent job to say the least in Rain or Shine’s 96-87 opening-day conquest of Star on Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Maverick Ahanmisi, the third overall pick in this year’s Rookie Draft, got three points and two rebounds in eight minutes on the floor, while fellow rookie Don Trollano, had his moments in 18 minutes of action despite having a scoreless PBA debut.
Newly-acquired big man Jewel Ponferada also showed some spunk, finishing with six points and six rebounds while protecting the paint against the Hotshots.
“I thought in this first game, they would have some significant contributions, but we’ll give them time to make themselves comfortable,” Guiao said. “They’re adjusting at the right pace and we’re not going to put any pressure to these new acquisitions as long as the veterans can deliver.”
Fortunately for Rain or Shine, the veterans delivered with JR Quinahan, Jericho Cruz, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, and Gabe Norwood all coming through in what Guiao thought was as an “ugly win” for the Painters.
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