Terrence Romeo’s triple, which came at the 3.7-second mark when the was game already settled for San Miguel, did not sit well with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
Dasmarinas, Cavite — Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao did not mince words when he talked about his endgame spat with San Miguel player Terrence Romeo in Game Three of the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday, May 22.
The incident was sparked by Romeo's uncorking of a three-pointer with 3.7 ticks remaining, an act Guiao deemed as disrespectful as the match was already in the bag for the Beermen.
Romeo's basket sealed a pivotal 117-107 win for San Miguel, which also took the first two games in the race-to-four series.
“Basic respect. Alam mo naman, San Miguel is a class organization. Alam mo naman na kaibigan natin ang coaching staff nila, mga boss doon. That’s just a minimum requirement for respect. Wala naman tayong quotient sa semis, eh,” Guiao told reporters after the game at the Dasmarinas City Arena here.
That’s a basic etiquette every player should know, especially a seasoned player like Romeo, added the fiery mentor, who blew his top as both teams were about to shake hands.
“Hindi naman bagong player si Terrence, eh. I’m sure alam niya 'yun,” said Guiao.
San Miguel's Terrence Romeo dribbles the ball against Andrei Caracut of Rain or Shine during their Game Two semifinal match last Sunday, May 19. | File photo (c) RM Chua
Guiao further pointed out that San Miguel should be a "class organization" given that they are the "best team" with their top record and pool of talented players. Thus, it should be respectful towards lower-ranked squads.
“Nagulat din ako na ganoon ang nangyari na medyo bastusan ang labas. I think, 'yung the mere fact na they are seeded No. 1, they’re the best team, they have the best record, they have the best talent, that in itself should make them a class organization. And part of being a class organization is giving due respect doon sa mas mababa sa'yo,” said Guiao.
“Pero 'yun nga, 'di naman ginawa. Nagalit din ako. I lost my temper. Deserving sila kung bastusan naman ang labanan. Ayaw mo namang mambastos pero 'pag binabastos, [ayaw] mo namang magpapa-bully sa mga ganoon."
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao reacts during the Elasto Painters' Game Two joust against San Miguel last Sunday, May 19. | File photo (c) RM Chua
The multi-titled mentor said that his heated reaction was only an expression of his disappointment, adding that the game should have ended with mutual respect from both parties.
"So it’s just an expression of disappointment na expect mo sa ganoong situation. Matatapos kayong may respeto sa isa’t isa. Maganda naman ang laro, eh. Wala namang nangyaring untoward. Walang situation na puwedeng mag-justify sa ganoon,” said Guiao.
“So 'yun lang, mayroon talagang ganoon. May tao talagang bastos. Wala tayong magagawa. May taong mayabang, may taong bastos, wala tayong magagawa.”