Quinahan tells NLEX players: Tough love from Guiao is normal
JR Quinahan admits he felt weird playing against coach Yeng Guiao on Friday.
“Nakakapanibago lang na nasa kabila si coach,” he said.
Their new teams battled for the first time with GlobalPort topping NLEX, 110-96. Quinahan’s squad improved to a joint second place and pushed Guiao’s side down the cellar anew.
The Cebuano big man got 18 points and seven rebounds in the win against his former coach as he helped the Batang Pier move up to a 5-3 card.
Quinahan shared that he tried to shake Guiao’s hand after the game but failed as the coach made a quick exit after the Road Warriors’ frustrating loss. But he understands it’s all business, admitting he still gets a chance to talk to the fiery mentor from time-to-time.
“We’re texting,” he said.
Admittedly missing Guiao’s tough love, Quinahan offered advice to NLEX, saying they shouldn’t be discouraged with the mentor’s harsh words.
“Normal naman kay coach yun. Kung masigawan ka man niya, at least love ka niya. Yung sigaw niya pagmamahal yun.”
Under the fiery mentor for so long, Quinahan and Guiao parted ways in the offseason when the mentor went to NLEX while the Cebuano big man was traded by Rain or Shine to GlobalPort.
Moving on, Quinahan is happy that he’s become a vital cog in the Batang Pier’s campaign this 2017 PBA Philippine Cup, as the team remains in the running for that coveted top two spot.
“Gusto namin every game, importante. Nag-aim kami na maabot namin yung top kung sweswertihin kami,” he said. “Sa amin naman, basta sumunod ka lang sa sistema ni coach eh. Walang agawan ng papel dito at tulungan lang.”
GlobalPort faces San Miguel next Saturday in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.
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