Chris Tiu believes naming Yeng Guiao as Gilas Pilipinas coach for the upcoming window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in September is a "practical decision."
The veteran Rain or Shine guard told ESPN5 on Monday installing Guiao as national coach for the fourth window gives the fiery mentor a chance to continue what he has started in the 2018 Asian Games.
"I think it's a practical decision also of SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) since instead of having to form a totally new team, coach Yeng is already here (in Jakarta), the pool of players who can possibly represent the country (are already here) so right after tournament, this can serve as preparation for the upcoming FIBA, instead of starting from scratch again," he said.
Tiu, a member of the original Smart-Gilas squad under Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, said the Asian Games serves as a good refresher for Guiao, who last handled the national team in the 2009 FIBA Asia men's championships in Tianjin, China.
"Of course coach Yeng is kind of getting refreshed again as to how the international game is being played. Maybe this could be a good preparation for the FIBA window in September," he added.
The 6-foot-1 veteran guard is part of the six Rain or Shine players, who form the core of the Philippine men's team that is currently playing in the Asian Games hosted by Indonesia. Other Elasto Painters include James Yap, Beau Belga, Maverick Ahanmisi, Gabe Norwood and Raymond Almazan.
Completing the members of the national squad which was formed just two weeks ago are NorthPort combo guard Stanley Pringle, Blackwater slotman John Paul Erram, NLEX's Asi Taulava, Magnolia guard Paul Lee, San Miguel's Christian Standhardinger and Fil-American Jordan Clarkson of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 60-year-old Guiao, back in the helm for the national team, will handle the Gilas side in lieu of Chot Reyes, who will be serving a one-game suspension following the brawl that marred the Philippines-Australia match last July 2 in Bocaue, Bulacan.
SBP president Al Panlilio made the announcement Monday. Guiao is set to make his coaching debut in the FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifiers on September 14 when Gilas takes on three-time Asian men's basketball champion Iran in Tehran before the Philippines hosts the visiting Qatar on September 17 in Manila behind closed doors.
With 10 Gilas members set to serve their respective suspensions as handed out by FIBA last month, Guiao might have to consider some members currently playing for the Philippines in the Asiad.