NLEX coach Yeng Guiao pays tribute to Alaska: 'Mahirap maglaro na uncertain 'yung future mo'

NLEX may have edged the exiting Alaska in the PBA Governors' Cup but head coach Yeng Guiao didn't forget to pay his tribute to Alaska, whose days in the league are now numbered.

Following Road Warriors' 106-89 victory on Wednesday night, the outspoken tactician sang praises for the Aces for giving a good game despite the announcement from its team owner Fred Uytensgu of their upcoming retirement last week.

Guiao, who's been in the league long enough to witness Alaska's dominance the past three decades, said he will miss being on the opposite side of the court of the Aces.

"I would like to pay tribute to Alaska. They did play very well inspite of the load they have been carrying, the burden they've been carrying," said Guiao in the post-game interview.

"Mahirap maglaro na uncertain 'yung future mo at ng mga players but they were very professional. Coach Jeff Cariaso has been doing a great job."

(It's hard to play when your future is uncertain as well as the players' but they were very professional. Coach Jeff Cariaso has been doing a great job.)

Guiao has been coaching in the league since 1990, when Alaska was just four years into its existence in the PBA. The Alaska franchise made its debut in the 1986 season and has been a dominant and wholesome squad ever since.

Guiao, 62, said Alaska isn't only a great team but a great organization as well with business tycoon Uytengsu steering the wheel.

"I will miss Alaska all these years. It's a great team. It's a great organization," said the veteran tactician.

"The tradition and the culture and the integrity of Wilfred Utytengsu, I will miss them." — LA, GMA News