IS it a case of too late the hero for new Rain or Shine import Richard David Ross?
Coach Caloy Garcia believes so as the Elasto Painters had been pushed to the brink of the PBA Governors Cup after yet another loss, 91-111, this time at the hands of league-leader NLEX on Wednesday night at the Astrodome.
Ross, who came in as a late replacement for the injured Kwame Alexander, gave a good account of himself in his league debut, finishing with 20 points on 9-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds, and four assists despite arriving in the country just last Monday.
A product of Old Dominion, the 27-year-old Ross played well for Rain or Shine that he also caught the attention of Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao, who later labeled the import as the ‘perfect fit’ for his former ballclub.
But at 2-7, Garcia appeared to have given up on the playoff hopes of his team, although mathematically, the Elasto Painters can still advance to the quarterfinals.
“He played well. I think if he came in early at the start of the conference, baka iba yung marating namin. He’s a good import,” said Garcia of Ross, who is Rain or Shine’s fourth import in the season-ending meet after Joel Wright, Kayel Locke, and Alexander.
“Sayang nga lang. Kaso too late,” added the Rain or Shine mentor. “We’ll still try to get our last two games, para at least maganda ang exit namin.”
Rain or Shine’s last two games will be against San Miguel Beer (Nov. 9) and Meralco (Nov. 17).
Ross came on board after Alexander twice sprained his ankle opposite Blackwater, and then against Barangay Ginebra.
The Elasto Painters actually gave NLEX a good fight early on, racing to a 25-13 lead in the first quarter as Ross teamed up with rookie Javee Mocon.
But as Garcia pointed out, the Elasto Painters just gave up.
“We played an excellent first half against probably the best team right now in the league,” he said. “Hindi lang namin na-extend sa second half yung momentum. Nagka-foul trouble na rin kasi yung import namin.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
