MANILA -- Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao said they will be lucky if they get rookie aspirants, who may be diamonds in the rough, in the upcoming PBA Draft.
The tactician was among the coaches in attendance during the five-on-five scrimmages during Day 1 of the PBA Draft Combine at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Guiao cited the team's position in the draft order, which is at the No. 10 and 12 spots in the first round.
"Wala ako masyadong control sa decision namin at number ten and twelve. We can make a list, tingnan namin sino nasa listahan namin by the time mag-ddraft kami. Pero magaling din mag-draft yung mauuna sa amin," he told reporters.
Despite not having the luxury of the first few picks, Guiao believes there are a lot of 'hidden gems' among the over 120 rookie aspirants. He said it all depends on what kind of player each team is looking to select.
"Meron namang materyales, I think. But if you're looking for a big man, medyo manipis. If you're guards or wingmen I think may potential dito sa batch na ito. Of course kailangan medyo mapunta sila sa tamang sistema para doon sa laro nila. But I think there are some hidden gems in this batch," he said.
Among the top prospects include former UAAP Rookie of the Year Juan Gomez de Liaño, big man Geo Chiu, former NCAA Most Valuable Player Will Gozum and former Gilas Youth guard Dalph Panopio.
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Guiao thinks there are some rookie aspirants who are under the radar now, but may be welcome surprises down the road.
"Aside from yung mga regular names na naririnig natin, meron parin diyan yung medyo hindi masyadong napapansin pero tingin ko pwede na sa PBA," he said.
For guard-heavy Rain or Shine, Guiao said they are looking for big men but admits they may not get to pick them due to the draft order and limited quantity.
When asked if there are 'diamonds in the rough' for this batch of aspirants, Guiao said there are, but luck has to come into play.
"Meron noh, meron. Pero tsambahan lang yun. Minsan swertehin ka meron kang makikita. Late man sila or di sila pansinin makikita mo. Pero di ganun kadali yun. There's a lot of luck involved. Of course there's a lot of feel into it. Pero iba rin yung may immediate impact," he explained.
Guiao said Rain or Shine will not depend on their draft picks to create an immediate impact on the team's performance in the upcoming season.
"I think we have a solid core anyway. Yung immediate experience ng team namin in the last four conferences, making the semifinals, I think yun ang pinakamalaking asset ngayon," he said.
"Hindi kami makakaasa na aangat ang laro namin with our draft [picks]. Magiging ano parin yun, gradual contribution yung mabibigay sa amin ng i-ddraft namin," Guiao explained.
The Rain or Shine mentor remains open to the possibility of trades as long as it will be for the good of the team.
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PRINGLE, VILLEGAS TO CREATE IMPACT
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. PBA MediaGuiao said Stanley Pringle, who has been a free agent, is returning to the country on September 9. He expects him to make an impact when he joins the team.
"Ang tingin ko kasi, yung wala kaming immediate impact doon sa mga ma-ddraft namin. Pero yung pagpasok ni Stanley yun ang may impact sa amin," he said.
"Tapos inaasahan namin na along the way makakapasok narin si Luis [Villegas]. Yun na yung pinaka-draft namin. Yun ang pinaka-addition namin sa team," Guiao added.
The Rain or Shine coach said they have long been interested in Pringle, but it was his agent who initiated talks with the team.
"Of course, sino ba naman ang ayaw maging player si Stanley? Ang pleasant surprise doon is hindi kami nahirapan kausap [siya]. Open siya. Alam niya ang situation namin," he added.
Guiao and Rain or Shine look to build on their four straight semifinals appearances and enter the finals in the PBA's golden season.