Elite company: Guiao honored to join Cone, Dalupan in 500-win coaching club

AKTV/Joser Dumbrique

When Rain or Shine won Game Four of the Governors’ Cup finals against B-MEG last Sunday, the Elasto Painters did more than just move one win away from annexing the first title in franchise history.

They also gave Yeng Guiao his 500th victory as a coach in the PBA. Guiao, who started his professional coaching career in 1990, joins an elite list that counts only Tim Cone and Baby Dalupan among its members.

“I didn’t know it until after Game Four, but I’m honored to join this elite company,” Guiao told InterAKTV in a telephone interview, adding that standing side-by-side with Dalupan and Cone, his rival in the championship series, is really an honor.

“It gave me time to reflect on the things I did. It also goes to show kung gaano na rin tayo katanda,” said Guiao in a jest. “When you look back, you can tell your self that it’s really worth it.”

Guiao began his career as coach of Pop Cola, which he steered to two titles. He moved to Pepsi in 1994 before leaving coaching in 1997 to become commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League.

He returned to the PBA with Red Bull in 2001, and piloted the squad to three titles. He transferred to Burger King in 2009 and coached the Air 21 franchise until 2011, when he moved to Rain or Shine.

But while 500 wins is special for Guiao, he said he’s more concerned about leading the Elasto Painters to the title.

“Yun pa rin naman ang focus naming lahat,” said Guiao. “It’s nice to have personal achievement, but the bigger achievement is winning the championship and that’s the ultimate goal.”

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