Yeng Guiao is officially the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas.
Speaking to reporters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Guiao made the announcement on Tuesday - the same day he revealed the 20-man pool for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
"The formal appointment came this morning before the meeting. So it's no longer interim and it's no longer temporary, it's until the World Cup. At least until next year. So at least it's formal already," Guiao said.
Guiao, who took charge after Reyes was banned for one game for his role in the Gilas-Australia brawl at the Philippine Arena in July, led the team in the Asian Games in Indonesia where they almost beat powerhouse China behind NBA player Jordan Clarkson, as well as in the fourth window of the qualifiers where the team wound up 1-1.
Teams have been more willing to lend their players to the national team pool when he assumed the position. With him at the helm, fans saw players like Scottie Thompson, Alex Cabagnot, and Marcio Lassiter suit up for Gilas.
Guiao made it clear, though, that he's still calling the shots for NLEX in the PBA.
"I'm still with NLEX. I'm taking on two coaching jobs at this point and at the same time, (and) I'm campaigning in my district," he said.
Guiao will open training camp on November 12, but he won't hold daily practices since it will run smack into the PBA playoffs schedule.
"The problem is also going to be the PBA semifinals, so the teams that are playing, the players are going to be excused from practice," he said. "We can't force those who have games to train with us of course, but I've already told the PBA about that."
Gilas currently owns the third spot in Group F with a 5-3 win-loss record. The team faces Kazakhstan on November 30 before taking on Iran three days later at the Mall of Asia Arena.