Guiao expects Jewel Ponferada to shine under his system

MANILA, Philippines -- Coach Yeng Guiao likes what he’s seeing in practice and its tuneup matches since making several changes on Rain or Shine’s roster in the offseason.

Four new players are set to don Rain or Shine’s jersey come opening night on Sunday against the Star Hotshots at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The four are big man Jewel Ponferada, as well as rookies Maverick Ahanmishi, Don Trollano and Josan Nimes.

Guiao said he likes the progress of the 6-foot-4 Ponferada, a former National University stalwart, whom the team acquired from GlobalPort in exchange for Jervy Cruz.

The fiery Rain or Shine mentor believes Ponferada brings a lot to the table.

Though short compared to San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, Barangay Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter, the 56-year-old coach is convinced that Ponferada has the body to man the slot.

“Marunong siyang (Ponferada) gumamit ng size niya that’s why we’re developing him in the offseason,” Guiao told Philstar.com.

The six-time PBA champion coach added that Ponferada also has a good range, a prerequisite for big players under Guiao.

“Jewel just needs the confidence to shoot from the outside but we’re developing it in his game. And so far, it’s looking good,” he said.

The wide-bodied Ponferada averaged 2.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14.4 minutes for the Batang Pier last season.

But Guiao expects those numbers to increase as Ponferada adapts into the system.

In the team’s busy offseason, Rain or Shine also lost Fil-Am guard Jonathan Uyloan to free agency, while trading veteran guard Ryan Arana to Barako Bull.

Backup playmaker Tyrone Tang, on the other hand, retired at the end of last season to concentrate on his business.