Yeng Guiao: We’re Sorry

World Cup Debacle

MANILA, Philippines — An apologetic coach Yeng Guiao is taking full responsibility for the underwhelming performance of Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, saying he’s ready to step aside if a coaching overhaul will be effected after the debacle in China.

Guiao’s charges are expecting fallout after failing to live up to expectations in the prestigious event, losing badly to Italy and Serbia in the first round then Tunisia and Iran in the classification phase while botching their best chance in the duel with Angola in between the four routs.

“We’re sorry that we’re not able to perform up to the level that our countrymen expected from us. They wanted close games and we couldn’t even achieve that,” Guiao said after Gilas’ 75-95 setback to Iran in the final day of classification in Beijing.

The Philippine mentor maintained a lot of factors also contributed to this lackluster campaign, citing the injuries that hit shooters Marcio Lassiter and Matthew Wright and big man Poy Erram, and the decision of some prospects to beg off from Gilas duties like influential guard Jayson Castro, among others.

“All of those things could have helped us perform better. I’m not saying we would have beaten the teams that beat us but we would have achieved a better performance against them or narrow the gap,” said Guiao, who also didn’t have a long time prepararing with his complete pool.

The team is arriving home at 5 a.m. today with a big fat egg from the 32-team basketball showpiece, and Guiao said it’s all on him.

“When you take this job, that’s part of the package that you have to answer and be responsible for. This job is high risk, high reward, and also high consequence if you don’t reach your objective. I can understand that,” he said.

“From the beginning, I was telling the players if something happens and we’re not able to get to where we want to get or achieve our goals. I will shoulder the blame, as long as they give their all,” he added.

Guiao, whose Gilas stint started in third window of the Asian qualifiers, is himself unsure of his status as the national team charts its course for the next battles ahead.

“That’s something I will discuss with the bosses and my coaching staff,” he said. “If it isn’t for me, I’m not going to hold on to the position and try to hang on to it.  That will be resolved when I get to talk with the bosses. But at this point, I’m open to anything,” he stressed.

Gilas skipper Gabe Norwood and team manager Gabby Cui said Gilas should charge this one to experience moving forward.

“Wasn’t the outcome we expected or wanted but the lessons learned will help move Philippine basketball forward,” said Norwood. “I look forward to the changes that will be made to prepare for the 2023 edition of Gilas.” 

“It was definitely a learning experience and a bitter pill to swallow, part of the process to make our Gilas Pilipinas stronger and better for the future,” said Cui.