No import, no problem

Resilience is something Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao should be proud of citing as a trait of the Elasto Painters. There’s no other way to explain how ROS battled TNT without import Jaylen Johnson, time down to 6:20, and won, 112-109, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last week. Then, with Johnson serving a one-game suspension, ROS played all-Filipino and took down Meralco, 109-102, at the Big Dome last Friday.

“Tsamba,” said Guiao after shocking Meralco. Typical Guiao. He relishes the underdog’s role. He’ll never admit to anything more. Guiao was the underdog when he filed a case to restore PAGCOR’s five percent contribution of gross income and pay back withheld remittance to PSC. It took 10 years for Guiao to win the case before the Supreme Court but he got it done.

Without Johnson, ROS stood its ground against the Bolts whose 7-foot import Marvin Jones was held scoreless in the second half after scoring 17 in the first. Five locals scored in double figures with Felix Lemetti, who averaged 5.2 points and 15:21 minutes last conference, erupting for 23 points in 26:31 minutes off the bench. Guiao joked that maybe he’ll send Johnson home and continue playing all-Filipino. Again, typical Guiao. It’s his way of showing how he enjoys the game and bantering with the media.

ROS is now the only team with an unblemished record, winning three in a row. Guiao has started 11 players so far, using an unpredictable rotation and giving him wide options to bring out instant impact off the bench. It’s a Guiao trademark that unnerves opposing coaches. Additionally, there are 11 players averaging at least 10 minutes and six at least 20. The distribution of playing time keeps every player on his toes. When Guiao needs a player to step up, he’ll be ready. By the way, ROS has gotten off to a hot start even with Stanley Pringle and Keith Datu sidelined.

ROS’ next game is against Blackwater at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday. Johnson will be back in harness to face Bossing import Robert Upshaw. That should be something to watch. Upshaw, 32, is a 7-foot man mountain. The other day, Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy said Upshaw tipped the scales at 170.2 kilos or 374 pounds. Despite the heavy load, Upshaw compiled 35 points, 14 rebounds and six assists to lead Blackwater to a 97-91 win over Magnolia last Sunday. Sy has challenged Upshaw to shed a kilo every two days until he trims down to 150 kilos. “At 150 kilos, he’ll be unstoppable,” said Sy. Johnson, 29, is Guiao’s type of import. He won’t get pushed around or bullied as he showed in standing up to Glenn Khobuntin. Johnson collected 29 points and 24 rebounds against Macau so he’s capable of stuffing stats. Will it be four in a row for ROS or will Blackwater end the streak? Hold on to your seats.