MANILA, Philippines — Even though Rain or Shine has equalled the franchise's best start of four straight wins to start a conference, a feat the team first accomplished when it went on to win the 2012 Governors' Cup, coach Yeng Guiao knows they are still a long way to go from achieving something special.
The Elasto Painters zoomed to a 4-0 start in the ongoing Season 49 Governors' Cup after disposing of an all-Filipino Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 116-99 on Friday night.
But with San Miguel Beer as the team's next opponent on Sept. 5, Guiao knows they will have to play consistently and get the needed experience in order to prepare themselves for the playoffs.
"We're still not in title contention because the sample size is still small," Guiao said in Filipino on Friday, referring to the number of games won thus far.
"They need to be convinced they are stable come the playoffs. You know you are already good or already a contender when you're already in the playoffs and somehow, you're able to give a very good fight in the playoffs," he added.
Guiao noted that teams during the eliminations are still warming up, considering that some ballclubs prepared late during the preseason.
"You'll only see some teams get better towards the middle of the eliminations and towards the end of the eliminations," explained the 65-year-old Filipino coach.
However, the Rain or Shine mentor said he can't help but be happy to see different players rise up to the occasion to contribute to the team's four victories this conference.
"We're doing fine, we're doing well, and it's a treat seeing different guys sit with me here in the post-game interview because it means different players get to play well and contribute," said Guiao.
Before the win over Phoenix, Jhonard Clarito rose to the occasion after firing 24 points on a perfect 9-of-9 from the field, to go along with four rebounds and five steals as Rain or Shine routed NLEX, 124-105.
Against Phoenix, it was Adrian Nocum's turn as he fired 19 of his 21 points in the second period, helping ROS overcome a slow start, en route to the team's 17-point victory.
Still, Guiao cautioned his players from falling into a false sense of security.
"When you lose two straight games, you can get demoralized or a player gets injured, you can easily slid. So we really need to be tough," he said.
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