MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao is optimistic that veteran guard Stanley Pringle will be a seamless fit to his squad due to his ability to elevate his teammates’ game.
According to Guiao, the acquisition of the four-time PBA champion and one-time PBA Best Player of the Conference winner was a calculated decision built on familiarity and fit.
“Naging player ko naman si Stanley before sa national team when we played in the Asian Games, so we have familiarity with each other,” Guiao said in an interview with DWAR Abante Radyo’s Sports Now program.
“One reason na nag-interest kami is we know he can fit into the team. ‘Yung style of play niya is very close sa style of play that he is accustomed to,” added the seven-time PBA champion coach.
Guiao acknowledged that the 38-year-old Pringle may be one of the more seasoned players in the league, but he believes the veteran still has plenty left in the tank to help the Painters.
“Although Stanley is little on the mature side, I think he still has some good years to make a contribution,” Guiao said. “Mabilis ‘yung style of play namin and I think kaya pa niyang sabayan and keep up with the young guys.”
“Parang nag-e-elevate ‘yung laro ng mga kasama niya kapag siya ay nasa court. He is able to bring out ‘yung potentials nung mga nakakasama niya sa loob,” he added.
With Pringle’s professionalism and team-first attitude, Guiao expects the transition to be smooth.
“Wala naman siyang problema with his character, so it’s going to be a seamless integration. Wala akong nakikitang problema,” Guiao said. “We expect him to jell quickly with the team.”
As Rain or Shine aims to end their nine-year championship drought, Guiao believes Pringle’s veteran presence and playmaking will be a key asset for the young and energetic squad./PN
