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Jericho intimidated by Rain or Shine coach Guiao’s presence
Jericho Cruz, center, is hoping to shake off his rookie jitters when he makes his debut for Rain or Shine in the Philippine Basketball Association. (Contributed Photo)
After all, Guiao is an imposing figure in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) where he is one of the very vocal mentors in Asia’s first pay-for-play league.
Guiao is a known disciplinarian when it comes to coaching.
“It was kind of scary to approach [Coach Yeng], I just talked to him once during our team practice,” said the former Adamson Soaring Falcon.
“Coach Yeng has that intimidating look, but I know he’s a good guy. He is just a disciplinarian, wants his players to follow his system and the plays that they practice.”
Cruz added that he is excited to play in his first PBA game under Guiao where he is hopeful to make a good impression. “I’m ready to learn and correct my mistakes. Or else [Guiao] will be shouting at me the whole game, hahaha!”
Guiao, who is also congressman of Pampanga province’s first district in the House of Representatives, has four PBA titles—three with Red Bull and one with Rain or Shine—under his belt as he helped turn franchises with no big name players into champions.
“I’m ready to take on the challenge. I can’t wait to play and I’m excited. But I still feel rookie jitters since this will definitely be a whole new ballgame for me. Far from the lights of the Garapan open basketball court where my love for basketball started,” said Cruz.
Cruz was drafted ninth overall in the first round by Rain or Shine in last month’s PBA annual rookie draft to join fellow Philippine team member Kevin Alas under the Elasto Painters’ franchise. (Jon Perez)
