WITH all the upgrading that it has done to its roster, Rain or Shine is now aiming high this coming second conference.
From new mentor Yeng Guiao all the way to the management, the Elasto Painters are optimistic that they can finally live up to their potential this time around after a lackluster ninth-place finish in the Philippine Cup.
Guiao, who will guide Rain or Shine for the first time this conference, believes that with a system in place, there’s no way to go but up.
‘’Everyone’s playing well and hard for us right now. With a complete lineup and a prolific import, plus our system imposed, I believe we can improve this second conference,’’ said Guiao of his new team.
In an attempt to get over the hump, the Elasto Painters decided to revamp their lineup from the bench tacticians, all the way to the players.
Rain or Shine shipped away two of its main stars in spitfire Solomon Mercado and Jay-R Reyes after it acquired Guiao as its head mentor. To complement Guiao’s system, the team got some of the fiery coach’s players from Air21 in scorer Ronjay Buenafe, Beau Belga and Ronnie Matias.
Also, Hassan Adams is also being considered as the measuring stick of the incoming imports after showing what he is capable of in the tune-up games so far.
The 6’3” former Arizona Wildcat is so far showing his versatility as he is able to carry the load for the Elasto Painters, who are 3-0 in their tune-up games with other teams.
‘’He complements the team very well. Right now, he’s really getting it done for us and hopefully he will continue to show it come the tournament,’’ said Guiao.
For team Governor Mert Mondragon, he also thinks that his team now has the right pieces to move forward, believing that Rain or Shine is capable of making the semifinals.
Meanwhile, all the 10 league teams, including guest participant Smart Gilas Pilipinas, already submitted their respective lineups to the commissioner’s office.
Air21 did not maximize the allowed 14-man local roster and instead just listed 12 local players, while undrafted Barako Bull player Borgie Hermida was luckily grabbed by the national team at the final minute from the free agent pool.
Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today
