Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao kicked off the opening of the NCRAA’s 26th season on Tuesday at the Olivarez College Gymnasium.
Before meeting his national squad preparing for the next window of the FIBA Asia World Cup qualifier, which starts on Friday against Kazakhstan and Iran on December 3, Guiao took time out to reconnect with long-time team executive and now current NCRAA secretary general Buddy Encarnado.
“Kami ni Boss Buddy, matagal kaming magkasama sa basketball,” said Guiao. “Noong 1989 pa, nagsisimula pa lang ako halos sa coaching, siya team manager na namin sa national team hanggang sa magkasama ulit kami sa PBA kahit magkaiba pa kami ng team.”
Guiao was the guest speaker in the opener hosted this season by Olivarez College. He shared some of his philosophies which he imparted to all the teams he handled through the years, giving importance on preparation, sacrificing one’s ego, a strong mind and body, and faith in God, among others.
The veteran bench tactician had to leave right away to catch up on his 2 p.m. practice.
The 16 participating squads paraded on Tuesday morning, led by defending champion Olivarez College. Four new squads were also welcomed to join the growing NCRAA family – Lyceum-Laguna, CEU, Immaculada Concepcion and Pasig Catholic.
Holdovers of the event include AIMS, De Ocampo, La Salle-Dasmariñas, Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite, Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Muntinlupa, NCBA, PATTS, PMMS, PSBA-QC, St. Francis and University of Luzon.
This year’s event will be headed by president Cesar Hagos of host Olivarez College while tournament commissioner is George Magsino.