NLEX plays first game under Guiao, takes on Alaska

Will coach Yeng Guiao be able to bring his coaching brilliance over to NLEX?

With hardly an impact in two years under coach Boyet Fernandez, the Road Warriors finally plunge into action with Guiao at the helm as they take on the Alaska Milk Aces in the third play date of the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Tip off is at 7 p.m. Guiao with his new team likely to get a baptism of fire versus the Alaska team which was finalist four times in the last six conferences.

Guiao himself is saying it may take time for his players to get used to the new system he brings over to the team.

But they’re hopeful they can compete with the Aces on sheer guts and hard work.

The Alaska is coming out this season with practically the same lineup that made the finals in the Philippine Cup and in the Commissioner’s Cup last year. An added big boost is the return of Vic Manuel from the injured list.

“Tingin ko 100 percent na ako bago pa ang opening. Sobrang gustong-gusto ko ng maglaro. Excited na ako sa season na ito,” said Manuel, missing a major part of PBA Season 41 due to a recurring calf injury.

Manuel is reunited with old Alaska mainstays Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Jvee Casio, Dondon Hontiveros, RJ Jazul, Noy Baclao, Chris Banchero, Ping Exciminiano, Rome dela Rosa, Tony dela Cruz and Kevin Racal.

On the reserve list is the team’s Gilas draftee Carl Bryan Cruz.

Old NLEX core players inherited by Guiao are Asi Taulava, Sean Anthony, Jonas Villanueva, Rico Villanueva, Kevin Alas, Eric Camson, Garvo Lanete, Glenn Khobuntin and Mac Baracael.

New recruits include Alfonso Gotladera, Jansen Rios, Bradwyn Guinto and Carlo Lastimosa.

Both Guiao and Alaska coach Alex Compton love running game, thus, the NLEX-Alaska tussle could be an exciting, fast-paced duel.

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