A LITTLE over one month before the PBA’s 50th season begins, Rain or Shine has hit the ground running in its bid to finally get over the hump.
“It’s time to get stronger. This is the time to build up our skills. Well, of course, we have high expectations. Iyong standards natin, na-establish na natin na kaya pala natin mag-semifinals,” coach Yeng Guiao said after his wards buckled down to work late last week. “Gusto natin at least mapantayan natin iyong mga previous accomplishments natin. Suwertehin tayo na maka-abot sa finals, hindi natin alam.
“But that’s the objective and may bago tayong player, who is Stanley Pringle. Mayroon pa tayong late first round picks. We want to be able to make good use of those. Tingnan natin kung sino iyong mga aabutan natin. So, that’s an upgrade with our line-up,” he added.
The Elasto Painters advanced to the semifinals of the three conferences in the pro league’s 49th season but never made it past the Last Four—courtesy of the expense of the TNT Tropang 5G.
Aside from the annual rookie Draft on Sept. 7 and the acquisition of veteran playmaker Pringle, Rain or Shine is also expecting the return of 6-foot-8 big man Luis Villegas from an ACL injury.
Add to that their early build-up for Asia’s first play-for-play league and the Painters should contend anew and give themselves a chance to end a nine-year title dry spell.
“We’re also expecting Luis Villegas to be able to play this conference. The team is maturing well. We’re making adjustments on some of our plays, offense and defense,” Guiao said. “Iyong mga natutunan natin, the past conferences, susubukan natin ma-absorb ng the team.
“Kung ano man iyong mga bagong knowledge na kailangan natin maipasok doon sa sistema, inumpisahan natin ang maaga.”
Their supporters’ desire to see their team reach the Promised Land again should be a big inspiration, according to Guiao, who will pin his hopes in the import-less tilt on Pringle, Adrian Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, Leonard Santillan, Jhonard Clarito, Anton Asistio, Andrei Caracut, and veteran Gabe Norwood.
“Laking pasalamat din sa suporta nila, the past conferences, previous conferences. Sa kanila tayo humuhugot ng lakas,” he said. “Kaya maaga tayong nag-prepare. We’re really trying to make our fans happier.”
