By Ronnie Nathanielsz

AFTER Red Bull systematically decimated its fiercely competitive lineup by selling its star players and getting nebulous draft picks in return, it has now lost its last vestige of competitiveness with the resignation of head coach Yeng Guiao.

Guiao finally decided to turn down likeable team owner George Chua’s request to reconsider his decision to resign, which he conveyed in a letter last week.

In deference to Chua, who told him they were reorganizing and streamlining their operations, and team manager Tony Chua’s assurance to Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Sonny Barrios that they would remain in the pro league and stay competitive, Guiao decided to quit.

He also indicated he thought things would get better, but instead they got worse.

Guiao said he had been told by the team owner that Red Bull would find a partner for the 2009 season and requested him not to make his resignation public until he had gone back to his family and informed them about the Red Bull plans, as enumerated by George Chua.

Guiao confirmed Standard Today’s opinion that George Chua was a fine man.

“We have no problems between us personally,” said Guiao.

One of the potential partners in maintaining the Red Bull team was believed to be Mikee Romero, owner of Philippine Basketball League champion Harbour Centre.

But Romero told Standard Today he was not interested in the franchise since the team had no stars and the franchise cost was too much. Romero instead is reportedly moving in to acquire a stake in Air21.

Guiao said he is not averse to coaching another PBA team despite his personal sadness over having to leave Red Bull, which he built into one of the most feared teams in the league because of their ability to rise above themselves against stronger teams.

There were reports that Coca-Cola was interested in talking to Guiao as a possible replacement for temporary coach Kenneth Duremdes, who took over from Binky Favis.

When asked about the possibility, Guiao said he was open to talking to any team interested in his services.