NOW that the rainy days are finally over for the Elasto Painters, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao wants his charges to make good use of the PBA Philippine Cup’s extended break.
“Mahahaba ang bakasyon, so we look at it as a time to reset, a time to bring this team together,” Guiao said. “(To) look at what transpired in the last five games and see where we can improve.
“We have the time to do that since mayroon tayong mahabang break,” he added.
Guiao spoke after Rain or Shine brought down Phoenix 100-85 three days ago for its breakthrough win in the importless tourney.
The Painters dropped their first four outings–seemingly still trying to find life after the departure of former gunner Rey Nambatac, who moved to Blackwater in the off-season.
But the emergence of rookie guard Adrian Nocum is giving Guiao reasons to be optimistic.
“We really need guys to really step up especially nawala si Rey Nambatac, one of our top scorers. Adrian has been playing good the past few games,” Guiao said of the former Mapua University standout tabbed in the second round (24th overall) of the last pro league Draft. “Nag-iiba talaga ang laro niya if he becomes a bigger threat if he’s making his three-point shots.
“That balances his offense aside from his drives and layups. So, matagal ko ring sinasabi sa kanya iyan na kailangan niyang balansehin ang laro niya.”
Ditto with veteran big man Beau Belga and playmaker Andrei Caracut, who are among the players expected by Guiao to deliver.
“Beau Belga gives the usual leadership and also the opportunities and problems to the opposing team. Aside from his scoring, his rebounding, and overall leadership,” Guiao said.
“Andrei will always be our main point guard and nag-struggle siya the past few games but even though he’s not scoring, he’s a threat. He can create situations kaya nandiyan pa rin siya. We’re trying to build his confidence.”
The 6-foot Nocum said he appreciates Guiao and his teammates’ faith in him.
“Lagi namang sinasabi sa akin ni coach na kailangan kong praktisin iyong mga tira ko sa labas kasi mahihirapan ako kung magcre-create lang ako kaya trinatrabaho ko sa practice,” he said. “Binibigyan naman nila ako ng kumpiyansa na itira ko.
“Hindi lang naman sa akin. Iyong teammates ko rin at maganda rin iyong idine-depensa namin.”
Will Rain or Shine’s maiden triumph galvanize its drive in the season-ending meet when it resumes play against winless Converge on April 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum?
It’s already summer and the Painters want nothing but brighter days ahead.