Calling for parity, Guiao stresses PBA draft should be for teams to develop talent

MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao is preaching parity in the PBA, pointing out that some leagues around Asia has been progressing “by leaps and bounds.”

Guiao, one of the most outspoken coaches in the league, said this following the 2023 PBA Draft Sunday.

He told reporters that if teams are indeed serious in competing, the draft is the way to go to pick up and develop talent.

“The problem is, in one or two years, maybe the teams drafted [in the first round] might go to [powerful] teams,” Guiao told reporters.

“If you are serious in competing, this is the time for you to pick your talent and develop that talent. But, if you are not serious, then it is like you are just an incubator,” he added.

Terrafirma drafted Stephen Holt as its No. 1 pick in the deep 2023 PBA Draft class at Market! Market! in Taguig City.

Following Terrafirma, Blackwater drafted Christian David.

Rain or Shine then selected Luis Villegas and Keith Datu with the third and fourth overall picks, respectively.

Terrafirma, in previous years, had drafted a No. 1 pick, but years later, it was traded to other teams.

“I think we have to put a lot of emphasis on parity, parity so the league will be better. We can see other Asian pro leagues, they are developing and progressing by leaps and bounds,” he said of the PBA, the the first professional basketball league in Asia.

“So, we are already being left behind. But, we have to chase after them,” Guiao added.