RAIN or Shine will make its debut in the PBA 49th Commissioner’s Cup with an import different from its original choice.
The Elasto Painters have officially enlisted Deon Thompson as their import on the eve of their opening game against Meralco on Sunday.
Thompson, listed at 6-foot-8, replaces Kenneth Kadji, the team’s first import for the conference who stood three inches taller than the team’s new reinforcement. Thompson has been practicing with the team for a couple of days already.
Thompson has won championships over the course of his career, something that bodes well to a Rain or Shine team that is in its eighth year of following up its 2016 Commissioner’s Cup crown.
The 36-year-old Thompson was part of the University of North Carolina team that won the 2009 crown. The team had the likes of NBA players Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Danny Green, Wayne Ellington, and Ed Davis.
Thompson later played in different countries such as Lithuania, Serbia, and Germany, the three of which he won championships. His most recent stint was with the Busan KCC Egis in Korea.
Also listed as the 15th local player of Rain or Shine for the conference is Mike Malonzo, the team’s No. 16 pick in the 49th season draft and fresh from finishing his commitments with the San Juan Knights.
Rain or Shine opens its conference against Meralco, a team that won its first game against Phoenix, 111-109, last Friday on a floater by Akil Mitchell.
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.
