Guiao knows a good player when he sees one.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao is a pretty good judge of talent.
After all, it was under him that formerly unheralded guys like Junthy Valenzuela, JR Quiñahan, and Don Trollano made a splash in the PBA.
Now, it appears the fiery tactician has his latest diamond in the rough in Jhonard Clarito, who was among the players fined by Commissioner Willie Marcial in May for playing in a ligang labas.
The 6-foot-2 forward, who rarely saw action last season as Rain or Shine’s second round pick, has seen his playing time go up considerably in the PBA on Tour, and he has responded by contributing per game averages of 10.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 19.0 minutes.
Guiao is not surprised. And he knew exactly what the De Ocampo College product needed.
"I'm not surprised [about Clarito’s good showing]. Meron talagang potential ‘yung bata," said Guiao of his second-year forward. "He's been doing well in practice. All he needed was a break and be able to play long minutes, at least substantial minutes."
On Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena, Clarito played the most minutes in his young PBA career, seeing action for 25 minutes against a depleted yet still formidable San Miguel Beermen squad bannered by Terrence Romeo. Clarito, as if on cue, proved Guiao right again, top-scoring for the Elasto Painters with 17 markers on 8-for-11 shooting.
After the game, Guiao paid his budding stalwart a big compliment.
"He's able to carry himself under pressure and two-way player siya," said Guiao. "He works hard on defense and he can give you a bunch of points on offense."
That is high praise from a perfectionist like Guiao, and if Clarito can keep this up, expect him to be a major part of Rain or Shine’s future.
(GM)