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PBA: Why Alex Mallari, once with 'mixed emotions,' is all in now on coach Yeng

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Dominic Menor, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/trending/05/09/050917-alex-mallari.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">New NLEX acquisition Alex Mallari looks forward to working with coach Yeng Guiao and taking the Road Warriors to new heights. <cite>Courtesy of the PBA Media Bureau</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div>When Alex Mallari found out he had been traded to NLEX, the first thing that entered his mind was the new coach he was going to play for.It was Friday during practice with Mahindra when Mallari was told of the move.&quot;I always had mixed emotions about playing for Yeng,&quot; Mallari said on Monday, his first day training with NLEX at FCL Center in Quezon City since his transfer from Mahindra was approved over the weekend. &quot;But now that I&#x27;m here, I&#x27;m excited to embrace that Yeng Guiao toughness, what he brings and his whole aura. Play hard defense, everybody has an equal share, anybody can go off any night.&quot; Mallari, along with veterans <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/08/17/pba-shifting-from-contender-to-winless-pretender-fonacier-sees-a-little-alapag-in-him">Larry Fonacier</a> and JR Quiñahan, is the newest member of Guiao&#x27;s retooled NLEX.He brings a multi-faceted skill set — scoring, defending, ability play point forward — that fits into Guiao&#x27;s system, one that&#x27;s optimized by versatile players such as Mallari. While Guiao approves of Mallari&#x27;s game, some wonder whether they can co-exist long-term in light of <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2017/03/30/mahindra-s-top-deputy-says-team-many-crybabies-23978">reports</a> that Mahindra coaching staff had questioned Mallari&#x27;s attitude during his time with the Floodbuster.In an <a href="http://sports.mb.com.ph/2017/05/08/pba-guiao-targets-fresh-start-with-old-hands-listen/">interview</a> with the Bulletin&#x27;s Dennis Principe, Guiao said he&#x27;s aware of those comments, but such differences between coaches and players weren&#x27;t unusual. In essence, Guiao believes that Mallari&#x27;s assets as a player outweigh any risk.Guiao told ABS-CBN News that he sold Mallari on the idea that being with NLEX — winless in 8 games but hopeful after its recent trades — gives Mallari a good shot at being on a contending team in years to come.&quot;I asked him about his attitude about being traded. To him, he&#x27;s just a professional,&quot; said Guiao, who has time to incorporate the new Road Warriors into the team what with 2 more weeks until NLEX&#x27;s next game. &quot;(Mallari) thinks that playing for NLEX is going to move him close to playing for a contending team. Sabi ko, that&#x27;s exactly what we&#x27;re trying to do. That&#x27;s the reason he&#x27;s here, is to provide his experience and leadership for this team.&quot;Like Guiao, Mallari is optimistic about the budding working relationship and its potential result. &quot;I&#x27;ve had hard battles with (Guiao) in the past so to be with him, it&#x27;s going to be good for my career to expand my game,&quot; Mallari said.&quot;After this conference, moving forward, we should be top 6 at least. . . There&#x27;s no reason why this team should never be in a playoff hunt every year.&quot; For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

While Guiao approves of Mallari's game, some wonder whether they can co-exist long-term in light of reports shedding a purportedly negative light on Mallari's attitude.

While Guiao approves of Mallari's game, some wonder whether they can co-exist long-term in light of reports shedding a purportedly negative light on Mallari's attitude.

PBA: Why Alex Mallari, once with 'mixed emotions,' is all in now on coach Yeng

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PBA: Why Alex Mallari, once with 'mixed emotions,' is all in now on coach Yeng

Dominic Menor,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 09, 2017 05:02 PM PHT

|

Updated May 09, 2017 05:29 PM PHT

Read More:

PBA

NLEX

Yeng Guiao

Alex Mallari

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