E-PAINTERS CONFIDENT OF RULING PHILIPPINE CUP
Against either Talk n Text or Alaska, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters believe they have what it takes to compete and go all the way to win the coveted PBA Philippine Cup championship.
Ever optimistic, coach Yeng Guiao feels he’s got the team that can give him his first crown in the most prestigious tournament in the pro league.
“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 Elasto Painters reaffirmed their mastery of the San Mig Coffee Mixers Thursday night, pulling off a 90-83 victory to gain a second straight Finals appearance.
Guiao and his chargers go for a rare back-to-back championships versus the Tropang Texters or the Aces in a best-of-seven titular series starting Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Motivated ang team to win the all-Filipino conference. Alam nilang malaking achievement na panaluhan ito na kami-kami lang,” said Guiao.
Guiao himself should ache to win the tourney.
The fiery Kapampangan bench tactician happens to be the winningest PBA coach without a Philippine Cup championship. He’s got six titles – all import-laced tourneys.
He should also be raring to end the conference in a blaze of glory before starting making the rounds of the first district of Pampanga where he’s running for a congressional seat.
Uncertain is his status as Rain or Shine head coach should he become a member of the House of Representatives.
Of course, his focus right now is to win the PBA championship that’s there to win.
“You always want to prove something every night and every conference. Di namin problema ang motivation,” he said. (SB)
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