Guiao to scout for PBA import in FIBA World Cup

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao will try to hit two birds in one stone when the Philippines serves as co-host of the 2023 FIBA World Cup beginning this August 25.

Guiao admitted that this early, the team is already making its own short list of potential import for the pro league's Season 48, which will be kicking off on October 15.

And with the PBA deciding to open the season with the Commissioner's Cup instead of the traditional Philippine Cup, Guiao sees the upcoming season world basketball showpiece as an opportunity to scout for a potential import.

Yeng Guiao PBA PHOTO

“We are eyeing some potential (imports) but we haven't really decided who we will choose,” Guiao told The Manila Times in Filipino. “Though one of our plans is maybe in the World Cup, since it will be held here, we could scout (for a potential import), that is if we haven't made a decision yet.”

The 64-year-old Guiao added that he's expecting to serve as a TV commentator as well, which will give him that chance to interact with some of the world-class players from various foreign national teams when he's in the playing venue.

The seven-time PBA champion coach admitted that getting an

import that could fit in the 6-9 height limit is a challenge in itself.

“It's really difficult to find a 6-9 import these days who could fit the team. So if there's a 6-7 import who can fit in, will go for that. But again, I hope we can find a 6-9 import,” shared Guiao, who led Rain or Shine to only its second PBA title in franchise history during the 2016 Commissioner's Cup.

Guiao marked his return to the Asian Coating franchise during last season's Commissioner's Cup, leading Rain or Shine to the playoffs as the eighth seed.

ROS though drew top seed Bay Area in the opening round, and got squashed into pulp, 126-96 as Guiao's squad tumbled out of the title running.