BY NOLI CORTEZ
LAOAG City. — Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao is realistic enough
to admit the absence of Junthy Valenzuela, an original member of the team, will
soon have more negative–than positive–influences on his team.
For the moment, however, he and his charges are determined to
figuratively make hay while the sun shines.
"Pang-puhunan for the long run," said Guiao Friday as his
team braced for battle against Alaska Saturday in the Smart PBA Fiesta
Conference On Tour at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena here.
Should they win the game also sponsored by Hanes and
organized by Laoag Mayor Michael Farinas, the Barakos will improve to 4-1 and at
least continue to occupy second-running spot.
The Aces, with a 2-2 card, are looking to win twice in a row
for the first time in the tournament, knowing fully well a victory will boost
them from their current tie at fourth to eighth-running slots.
Alaska edged Welcoat 92-90 last Wednesday and coach Tim Cone
wanted his team to savor the sweet taste of victory since he remains very wary
of Red Bull.
"Red Bull is a very dangerous opponent, especially on the
road," said Cone.
"It’s something about their character, this tenacity that
comes to the fore most in an out-of-town game," he explained.
Cone’s assessment is based in part on league records that
show the Barakos having beaten the Aces in their last three road games for a 3-1
advantage overall.
Alaska won the conference title last year, but failed to Red
Bull in their matches.
Guiao is hoping the trend will continue, especially now that
the full impact of Valenzuela’s absence has really sunk into his team’s
collective psyche. The hard-nosed guard-forward was traded to Ginebra last
Monday for two future draft picks.
"If you look closely, you’ll see Junthy averages about 10
points at best, along with about four rebounds, three assists. Those figures
could easily be replaced by my other players, so it’s not about his numbers
alone," said Guiao.
"It’s about the intangibles, like his overall defense,
hustle, and most importantly, the intimidation factor he brings to our
opponents. Iyun ang hahanap-hanapin namin sa long run," he added.
Other Barakos, like Cyrus Baguio and Kiko Adriano, can easily
step into Valenzuela’s shoes, but Guiao wants nothing more than everybody
picking up the slack.
Good thing there’s seven-foot Adam Parada giving them a
potent offensive weapon while providing his own version of intimidation inside
by averaging almost three blocks a game.
Baguio has been big in offense, scoring 27 points in a 98-96
win over Purefoods also last Wednesday that improved his conference average to
17.5 a game.
Alaska import Randy Holcomb is averaging only 21.8 points, compared to
Parada’s 25.5, but the former is doing practically everything else with 13.0
rebounds and and 3.0 assists while getting big-time help from Willie Miller,
Tony dela cruz and Jeffrey Cariaso.
