“I must say that coach Yeng was a revelation. It was a Jekyll and Hyde transformation and how he brought that team together,” said MVP of Guiao.

“Coach Yeng has done a magnificent job,” he added of the PBA coach, who was given an extension of his duty as Gilas coach – all the way to the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

If successful, Pangilinan said Guiao might even be tapped to take over the Gilas coaching for good -- from its old mentor, Chot Reyes.

“I think so, too. I’m thinking what you’re thinking. I think so, too. The PBA has opened the doors to coach Yeng. He might as well get in,” said Pangilinan.

Reyes, he added, will pave the way for Guiao if he needs to.

“He (Reyes) knows it. I think so. For the country (he will),” added Pangilinan.