ANDREI Caracut is putting to the backburner his contract negotiations with Rain or Shine and instead, focusing on the Elasto Painters' campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The 30-year-old guard found himself under the microscope when backcourt partner Gian Mamuyac was sent by RoS management to Phoenix for a future first-round pick after failing to agree on a new deal.
Like Mamuyac before, Caracut was also auto-extended by the Elasto Painters while the season-ending tournament was already ongoing.
“Since ongoing yung season, focus na rin muna ako sa laro,” said Caracut, who’s being represented by amiable players’ agent Danny Espiritu.
“Ongoing naman…siguro,” he answered when asked about the latest on his camp’s talks with Rain or Shine management. “Si boss Danny na ang bahala tsaka sila coach (Yeng Guiao).”
READ: Andrei Caracut, Rain or Shine still deadlock on new contract deal
In a way, Caracut admitted the negotiations were a distraction for him, especially before the season’s third and final conference began.
“Siyempre, mapapaisip ka rin. Pero nung nag-start na yung season, sabi ko, ipapaubaya ko na kay boss Danny,” he said.
Caracut controls what he can control
A second round pick (No. 23 overall) by the Elasto Painters in the Season 46 draft, Caracut, like the rest of the team, was saddened seeing Mamuyac leave the franchise and take his act to the Fuel Masters.
Mamuyac came a year later after Caracut, but the former collegiate rivals shared a deep bond together, as they took care of the RoS backcourt.
“Oo naman. Si Gian, four years din kaming nagsama dito sa Rain or Shine. Nakakalungkot,” said the veteran playmaker out of La Salle.
“Pero alam naman namin na ganito ang buhay sa professional league, dito sa PBA. Kailangan mag-move on. Ganun talaga eh.”
Will he take the path Mamuyac had just taken - if his own negotiations stall out, as well?
“Siyempre, ako, willing naman akong mag-stay. Napamahal na ako dito,” he said.
“Hindi mo masabi ang basketball dito sa PBA. Pero kung tatanungin mo ako, siyempre, gusto kong mag-stay.”
In the four games he has played so far for the 2-2 Elasto Painters, Caracut averaged 3.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
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