BATANGAS CITY—NLEX coach Yeng Guiao usually finds it challenging to devise ways to stop TNT guard Terence Romeo and San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo.

But on Friday night, as coach of the Smart PBA All Stars composed of Gilas Pilipinas players, Guiao had a rare chance to work with both of them.

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Romeo exploded for an all-star game record 48 points, including 7 3-pointers, while Fajardo added 30 points and 14 rebounds in Smart's 152-149 win at Batangas Sports Center here on Friday.

At the end of the game, Guiao offered effusive praise for both players.

“Sinasabi ko nga ever since (Romeo) is the most talented player in the league, pound-for-pound,” he said.

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“In the game tonight, he showed he’s in that class of players. He can make themselves record holders in that kind of game where the best of the best are playing around you and with you. It’s a testament sa talent ng bata.”

As far as coaching Fajardo goes, Guiao said he finally felt what it's like to coach a player with the caliber of the 4-time league MVP.

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“All 12 coaches in the PBA would want that feeling or that chance (to coach him), pero si coach Leo (Austria) lang ang may ganu'n,” he said.

“To me, one of the rare occasions na dati inisip mong lahat ng paraan para mapigilan mo siya. Ngayon nag-e-enjoy ka na lang na, ‘Sige, pigilan n’yo s’ya kung kaya n’yo.’ ”

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