PARADA FITS RED BULL TO A T

PARADA FITS RED BULL TO A T

Guiao hopes to keep Junthy, but willing to let go

Tuesday, 01 April 2008

Yeng Guiao is convinced that they have found the solution to the rebounding woes that has become their major concern last conference. It took just 43 minutes for the Red Bull coach to establish that Adam Parada is indeed their man in the middle. As a matter of fact, in heaping praises for the 27-year-old, 265-lb. gentle giant, Guiao effectively indicated that the club is sticking it out with their 7-foot reinforcement for the duration of the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference. "He's not a flashy, spectacular import. But he's effective, terribly effective import. And he plugs the hole in the doughnut," Guiao said. It's hard not to agree with Guiao especially after watching Parada – a mainstay of Mexico's national team – dish out an eye-popping performance in his debut Sunday that drew the attention of jaded observers. Parada registered 28 points and 21 rebounds and had five blocks in his debut as the Barakos dealt the Barangay Ginebra Kings an 89-83 decision. "We're not expecting such a good game from Adam, Guiao confessed. "We knew he was a big, smart and effective big man. But he proved he's a winner," Guiao observed. "He makes good decisions. He doesn't take bad shots and he works hard off the boards. That's exactly what we need because rebounding has become our weakest stat since the last conference" The former stalwart of the University of California-Irvine went 10-of-18 from the field and made 8-of-11 free throws in a decent display of his offensive skills. He capped his awesome act by completing a three-point play that gave the Barakos a comfortable 85-81 lead with 1:44 remaining. Parada's impressive showing Sunday is a strong indication that the Red Bull is again a team to reckon with in the league's season ending tournament. The impending loss of veteran guard Junthy Valenzuela could spoil the club's campaign though. With Valenzuela's future still to be resolved, Guiao opted not to play his veteran warrior against the Kings. "I didn't want to put him in a situation na maaalngan siya. We have to settle first whether he's going or staying," Guiao said. "We don't want him to go but there are factors that have to be considered. Well see what happens the next few days." There were reports that Ginebra is working on a trade with Red Bull to acquire Valezuela whom Guiao regarded as the "spiritual" and acknowledged leader of the Barakos. Guiao said he is not privy to the negotiations. He said his job is to just coach the team and try to keep winning "even if we’re losing players." "Hopefully, I could preserve the (team) chemistry with Junthy there," said Guiao, short of saying that he wished he could keep Valenzuela. "But if there's no other way, I'm willing to give way." (DBC) Source: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2043/1/