RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao takes pride in the Elasto Painters being the last ‘independent team’ standing in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup.
Guiao considers reaching the semifinals an achievement for a team that has been developing young players for the past few seasons. This marks Rain or Shine’s first semifinal appearance since the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup.
Source of pride for Rain or Shine
"Makarating ka lang ng semis, ibig sabihin nun, meron kang na-bump off na elite team," said Guiao. "Top Four ka eh. Kapag Top Four ka, independent team ka, merong nalaglag na matinding team talaga. That in itself is a source of pride."
Rain or Shine proved its mettle by defeating a traditional contender, TNT, in a best-of-three series that went the distance. In Game Three, the Elasto Painters edged out the Tropang Giga by a single point, 110-109, showcasing their young players' ability to win close games at critical moments.
Despite their progress, Guiao reminds the Elasto Painters are still a work in progress and their full potential is yet to be realized.
Ten out of the 16 players on the roster are aged 29 and below, including four rookies— Keith Datu, Adrian Nocum, Sherwin Concepcion, and Luis Villegas; three sophomores in Gian Mamuyac, Shaun Ildefonso, and Jhonard Clarito; and three juniors in Santi Santillan, Andrei Caracut, and Anton Asistio.
"Sa akin kasi, we are playing the long game. This is a long game for us. Hindi kami puwedeng mag-acquire agad ng talent na magiging tinatawag na game-changer sa team namin.
“We have to develop talent. And this is the way to develop talent. Getting them deep into the playoffs, making them experience ‘yung playoffs, dikdikan, ‘yung adjustment sa laro, ‘yung game planning, ‘yung emotional toll sayo. Kahit hindi ka naglalaro, nakahiga ka sa kama, naiistress ka na. Gusto ko maramdaman nila ‘yun kasi doon sila gagaling. ‘Yun ang key element that will see your character," said Guiao.
Toughness test
Guiao believes the experience gained from playing in a semifinal atmosphere will be invaluable, especially against a powerhouse team like San Miguel. This will accelerate their development for future seasons.
"This is going to be a toughness test. We will see how tough we are in this situation. We will know our real character. Malalaman mo kung ‘Are you a big game player,’ ‘Are you somebody na kapag nagkadikdikan na mawawala ka na.’ Bata pa ang mga ito pero marunong ng lumaban. ‘Yun ang importante."
“Imagine if they get a little bit more experience. Etong seven-game series na ito, this is going to be our best learning experience. Kalaban mo pa ‘yung San Miguel,” said Guiao.
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