CAN independent teams go all the way?
That’s what Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao wants to see after his team and Phoenix reached the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“Actually, sa isip ko, kung hindi namin makakatapat iyong Phoenix, ibig sabihin, dalawa kaming independent teams na may chance na makapasok,” Guiao said.
“Very rare na nasa top four, mayroong dalawang independent teams na makapasok,” he added.
The Fuel Masters finished the eliminations with an 8-3 mark in a three-way tie with San Miguel Beer and defending champion Ginebra. They dropped to No. 4–still with a twice-to-beat advantage–in the Last Eight opposite the fifth-ranked Meralco Bolts due to the winner over the other rule.
The Elasto Painters wound up with a 6-5 card on the strength of a six-game winning streak after beginning their campaign in the season-opening tourney with five straight losses.
But Rain or Shine has its work cut out for it as the seventh seed Painters take on the No. 2 Beermen, who are armed with a win-once incentive this Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Kings, who will also enjoy a twice-to-beat bonus, clash with the No. 6 NorthPort Batang Pier.
“In my mind, maganda sana iyon. Pero ang makakatapat mo naman, San Miguel,” Guiao said.
“Parang wala kang tulak kabigin,” he added in jest.
A dream scenario? Phoenix and Rain or Shine could meet in the finals if and when they get past the quarterfinals and semifinals.
“I’m always cheering for the independent teams. Pagdating sa ganito kasi independent team din kami,” Guiao said. “Alam namin kung gaano kahirap makarating sa semifinals.
“Ganoon lang, laban lang ng parehas, at tingnan mo kung saan ka makakarating.”
Another squad that does not belong to the San Miguel or MVP group in Converge, although it wound up dead last with a 1-10 slate, has what it takes in the import-less tilt, according to Guiao.
“Pagdating ng all-Filipino, tingin ko maganda ang ipapakita nitong Converge,” Guiao said. “Marami silang bata, although kami (Elasto Painters) marami ring kami mga bata. Masipag sila. Masipag silang tumakbo, masipag silang dumepensa.”
The Painters simply need to hurdle their mighty foes in the playoffs before they entertain thoughts of a shot at reaching the Promised Land for the first time since 2016, according to Guiao.
“Sabi nga ni Tim Cone sa akin noon, beware of what you wish for,” he added.
