Oct 08, 2021

Guiao sees better preparation for next NLEX campaign

NLEX is looking to come in a much better prepared team for the PBA second conference.

Losing key player Kiefer Ravena in the early part of the Philippine Cup caught the team off-balance, according to coach Yeng Guiao, and yet, still managed to make the playoffs and, came a win close of reaching the semifinals.

The Road Warriors will now try to pick up from where they left off and start their campaign on a fresh note.

"Losing Kiefer Ravena midway in the elimination round all the way to our playoffs campaign was tough. It's something we didn't prepare for," said Guiao in NLEX's official Facebook page.

But even without its top player, Guiao was very proud of what the team achieved which he labeled as 'decent.'

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The seventh-seeded Road Warriors pushed no. 2 Meralco Bolts to the limit, sending their quarterfinals to a do-or-die encounter before bowing out of contention following a 97-86 loss.

"We were able to push Meralco, which is considered one of the dark horse teams in the tournament, and has a legitimate chance of making it to the championship round or even winning the title, on the brink. And to me, that's something we can also be proud of."

The campaign also yielded other positive facets of the team, including the fine plays of veteran Anthony Semerad and the promise shown by rookie Calvin Oftana.

"We've seen breakout performances from Anthony Semerad, who has become more of a two-way player now, and our rookie Calvin Oftana," said Guiao.

"We're hoping we can build up from this experience," added the NLEX coach. We're going to lose Kiefer for the next conference, but at least we can prepare more than that this time." (RG)

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