Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is plotting an “experiment” as he transforms Shaun Ildefonso into a playmaker for the new season of the Philippine Basketball Association starting 15 October.
In a conversation with Daily Tribune, the fiery mentor admitted that he is using the ongoing PBA On Tour to make some key adjustments, including the conversation of the 6-foot-3 Ildefonso into a point guard.
During the course of Guiao’s career, he had the luxury of having versatile guards who can dribble and call plays.
From Rudy Distrito to Willie Miller, Gabe Norwood and Paul Lee, Guiao’s trademark is to have a big playmaker who can take charge at both ends of the floor.
In fact, during his time as head coach of NLEX, the seven-time PBA champion mentor planned to use Calvin Oftana as playmaker until he was shipped to TNT Tropang Giga in a three-team deal last year.
Now, he will revisit that experiment by converting the muscular Ildefonso into the Elasto Painters’ chief point guard.
“Part of that experiment is trying to find a bigger point guard because we have small guards in Andrei Caracut and Anton Asistio,” Guiao said.
“But we need to have a bigger point guard. We no longer have options, so we’re trying to get Shaun used to that new role. Let’s see if he can handle it.”
Aside from turning Ildefonso into a playmaker, Guiao is also flirting with the idea of turning power forward Leonard Santillan into a small forward in anticipation for the inclusion of Mac Belo in their rotation.
The 6-foot-3 Belo, a former University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player, has been acquired by Rain or Shine in a trade with Meralco for Norbert Torres recently.
He is set to sign a contract today, according to Rain or Shine team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and agent Edgar Mangahas.
“Then, also a part of our plans is to make Santi playing at the No. 3 position. If he can play the No. 3 spot, I feel we can at least be a bigger team,” Guiao added.
“That’s another part of our experiment.”
“The games (in the preseason) are important for us because these will give us ways to improve. You try new things and experiment to validate our system. That’s our mindset in playing in the preseason.”
