Gabe Norwood, one of the Elasto Painters’ top guns, thinks so.

Norwood played under Guiao when he joined the national team two years ago and he believes that his new coach in the PBA has what it takes to give the team its first championship, probably the PBA Commissioner’s Cup which will be held next month.

“Just like in the national team, he told us to keep working hard, every practice, every game,” Norwood said on Wednesday after

Guiao held his first practice session at the North Greenhills gym in San Juan City.

“When I was with him (Guiao), we only had limited time to learn his system. It’s the same thing (limited time) because the next conference is already next month. But the (PBA) tournament is longer so we have time to work together and learn the system,” he said.

Guiao was named Rain or Shine’s new coach last Tuesday after Air21 did not renew his contract which expired last December 31.

This will be the fifth team for the 51-year-old Guiao, also the vice governor of Pampanga who won five PBA championships – two with Swift and three with Red Bull.

His contract with Rain or Shine, owned by Terry Que and Raymund Yu, will end after the 2013 season.

Under his watch, Guiao said Norwood will be given more looks in the offensive end.

“But what will happen, he’s going to have to take more of a leadership position, mas aasahan namin sya sa scoring,” Guiao said. “We know he can score. He has an advantage with his athletic ability. He will get more touches, and touches translate to more opportunities for him.”

Having Norwood in the team, especially in the Commissioner’s Cup which allows teams to use imports not more than 6-foot-4 is an advantage, Guiao said, noting that Norwood can defend against imports.

Aside from Norwood, Guiao will also handle a team that has superstar guard Solomon Mercado, TY Tang, Jeff Chan, Jervy Cruz, Ryan Araña, Larry Rodriguez, as well as rookies RJ Jazul and Josh Vanlandingham.

“We know we have talent, as what other coaches, players, even the media are saying. But we can’t move forward,” Norwood said. “With coach Yeng, hopefully we can do that and win our first title.”

Guiao said the choice of their import will be crucial to their campaign, something that the coaching staff that includes former team coach Caloy Garcia should work out.

Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin