Why Red Bull let go of Miller

In a candid conversation recently, I asked Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao why the Barako let go of Willie Miller.

The news of his release came as a shock to fans. Miller was the first overall pick in the 2001 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft and won MVP honors in 2002. With Miller in the lineup, Red Bull captured back-to-back Commissioner’s Cup titles in 2001 and 2002. It seemed like Miller had a permanent home in the PBA.

Then the improbable happened. In the Third Conference quarterfinals last season, Red Bull enjoyed a twice-to-beat advantage over Talk ‘N’ Text. The bitter archrivals split the first two encounters with Miller averaging 21.5 points. It came down to a do-or-die Game 3 and Miller blinked. He finished with only two points as the Phone Pals eliminated Red Bull, 95-81, last Nov. 19.

Miller’s contract was up at the end of the year and he was hardly in a favorable bargaining position. When Miller asked for a salary increase, it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

"Willie was our most-liked player," said Guiao. "He has lots of fans. Everyone likes him. He makes practices fun and works hard. But we felt the money being asked for was too much, a little excessive. And we weren’t satisfied with the way he played in the last game. It was a hard decision to make."

Guiao stressed there was never a doubt on Miller’s integrity. "I don’t believe he sold out," he continued. "Willie’s not the type. He just had an off-night and it happens. We eventually decided to let him go. We thought it would help his career if he found a championship-caliber team that could use his skills. We also wanted our team to grow, to develop with Topex (Robinson) and Cyrus (Baguio). When Willie left, we opened a spot for Denver (Lopez)."

Guiao said Robinson’s emergence was no surprise. The spitfirish guard was Tanduay’s fifth round pick in the 2001 draft and was the 44th pick of 48. He was plucked out of the free agent ranks last year when Jimwell Torion was suspended.

"Topex is a proven player," noted Guiao. "He wasn’t hard to find. Because of Jimwell’s problems, we looked for another guard. Topex was No. 1 in the PBL (Philippine Basketball League) in assists, steals and rebounding among guards." As for Baguio, he, too, has emerged to become a regular in Guiao’s backcourt rotation.

Lopez is struggling in his rookie season but Guiao said his time will come. "He’s like how Willie was in his first year," continued Guiao. "He needs playing time to boost his confidence. Denver’s a thinking player. He’s our stabilizer. He gives us another option in the backcourt. We were patient with Rico (Villanueva) in his rookie year and look how he’s performing now. We’ll be patient with Denver."

What makes Red Bull a force is its team atmosphere.

"We are a homogeneous unit," said Guiao. "No division between locals and Fil-foreigners. We’re just one team. The guys encourage and cover for each other. They work hard in practice and during games. Walang inggitan. They try to inspire each other to play harder. I always tell the guys to be ready to play, that they all have a role and it’s up to them to earn their minutes. That’s why I use different starting lineups. In our system of rotation, everyone’s got to be ready to play."

Regarding his rumored rift with PBA commissioner Noli Eala, Guiao said it was nothing personal. "A month ago, (PBA media bureau chief) Willie (Marcial) initiated a lunch meeting among the Commissioner, Boss Tony (Chua), Willie and myself," said Guiao. "I admit there was a gap last year. I disagreed with some of the Commissioner’s decisions like the competition format, the way the drug testing was handled, Jimwell’s suspension and others. It seemed like Red Bull was always on the receiving end. I was vocal about it. The Commissioner and I go back a long way. His brother and I were grade school and high school classmates. I used to visit their homes in Quezon City and San Pablo. I know his parents. And we worked together on TV as game broadcasters. I have no ill feelings towards him. We’re talking and it’s a good start. I thought the eight-month suspension on Jimwell was excessive but it was later shortened.

That’s a good sign. The format has been changed for the better. The PBA is reaping the dividends of his decisions. So far, it’s been okay."

On Red Bull’s management style, Guiao said he supports the Chuas’ family orientation. "I’m in constant contact with Boss George (Chua)," he said. "He asks about our practices, our players. He’s careful not to question decisions and judgments we make during a game. When it comes to salaries, contracts and high-level management issues, Boss George, Boss Tony, Dr J (Andy Jao) and I discuss and arrive at decisions. The management team is also involved in deciding on imports and trades. On technical matters related to basketball, I’m given a full rein."

Obviously, the Red Bull system clicks because chemistry is the key to the Barako’s success–on and off the court.