Why Does Yeng Guiao Seem to “Curse Out” His Players? The Fiery Coach Reveals His Tough Love Philosophy

In the world of basketball, few coaches are as polarizing—and as respected—as Yeng Guiao. Known for his fiery personality and no-holds-barred coaching style, Guiao is a living legend in Philippine basketball. Whether it’s pacing the sidelines with a look of intensity or rallying his team with passionate words (and yes, occasional expletives), Guiao’s approach has sparked curiosity and controversy alike.

But why does he seem so harsh with his players? Is it frustration? A lack of respect? Or is there more to his tough-love tactics than meets the eye? In a recent interview, the veteran coach opened up about what he calls an “internal arrangement” with his players—one built on trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to winning.

A Tradition of Winning

To understand Guiao’s methods, we must first look at his track record. With multiple championships and coaching accolades to his name, Guiao has proven himself to be one of the best tacticians in the game. He’s the kind of coach who transforms struggling teams into contenders and pushes even seasoned players to elevate their game.

Guiao’s demanding nature stems from his belief in discipline and hard work. His players are expected to perform at the highest level, and he doesn’t mince words when they fall short. “I don’t see it as just shouting or scolding,” Guiao explained. “It’s about giving them the push they need to realize their potential.”

The “Internal Arrangement”

Critics often point to Guiao’s on-court outbursts as excessive or unnecessary, but the coach himself sees it differently. According to him, his players understand that his methods are part of an “internal arrangement” built on mutual respect.

“People think it’s all anger, but the players know it’s tough love,” Guiao shared. “They know that when I call them out, it’s not personal—it’s about the team. It’s about making them better, not just as players but as individuals.”

This arrangement also includes open lines of communication. Guiao encourages his players to speak up if they feel they’re being treated unfairly. In this way, the tough words he uses on the court are balanced by honest conversations off it.

Why Tough Love Works

Guiao’s tough-love philosophy might seem outdated in an era where more coaches lean on positive reinforcement, but it’s hard to argue with the results. His players often credit him for their growth, not just in basketball but in life.

Take his former player, Beau Belga, as an example. Known for his physicality and grit, Belga thrived under Guiao’s tutelage. In interviews, Belga has often said that Guiao’s fiery coaching style taught him resilience and accountability—traits that helped him both on and off the court.

Guiao believes that toughness is a necessity, not a luxury, in professional sports. “You’re preparing these players for intense competition,” he said. “The pressure in games is far greater than anything I say during practice. If they can handle me, they can handle anyone.”

Not Just for Basketball

Interestingly, Guiao’s philosophy extends beyond the basketball court. He sees his role as preparing his players for life, where challenges often demand grit and determination. “Basketball is just a metaphor for life,” he said. “If you learn to push through the tough times here, you’ll be better equipped to face whatever life throws at you.”

Does It Always Work?

Of course, no coaching style is without its critics. Some players may respond better to encouragement than critique, and there’s always the risk of miscommunication. Guiao acknowledges this and adapts when necessary.

“I don’t coach every player the same way,” he admitted. “Some guys need a pat on the back; others need a kick in the butt. It’s about knowing what motivates each player and using that to bring out their best.”

The Bottom Line

Yeng Guiao’s fiery persona and tough-love approach may not be for everyone, but his success speaks volumes. He demands excellence from his players because he believes in their potential—and that’s a rare quality in any leader.

So, the next time you see Guiao passionately gesturing on the sidelines or delivering a stern lecture during a timeout, remember: it’s not anger—it’s belief. It’s his way of saying, “I know you can do better, and I won’t stop pushing until you do.”

Guiao’s methods may not always be pretty, but for those willing to embrace the challenge, they lead to greatness. And in the end, isn’t that what every athlete—and every coach—truly wants?