RAIN or Shine locked up big man Luis Villegas to a new contract.
The Elasto Painters'management gave Villegas a two-year contract extension on Monday in a move validating his significance as a key component of coach Yeng Guiao's rotation moving forward.
Team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon was on hand for the contract signing of the 29-year-old former UAAP Mythical Team member, who was accompanied by his representative Marvin Espiritu of EMBM (Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management).
READ Guiao expects big things from Villegas in long-awaited comeback
The extension illustrates the team's complete trust in the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am, who spent most of his first three years with the franchise on the sidelines due to injuries, including a reconstructive surgery on the same ACL that was operated prior to turning pro,
Rain or Shine picked Villegas at No. 3 overall in the Season 48 draft despite the big man still recovering and rehabilitating from his ACL injury in the US.
But he's been healthy for the most part of Season 50, including the ongoing PBA Governors' Cup, where he's averaging 8.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
Guiao sees the value of Villegas in the team.
"Akala mo kaya mong lampasan or unahan doon sa iso… pero he finds ways to stay in front," he said of the former University of the East standout. "Hindi lang lakas at laki ang puhunan ni Luis, kaya rin niyang makipagsabayan sa mga mas mabilis na guards."
Villegas, who just turned a new leaf three weeks ago, is the latest Rain or Shine personnel to be given a contract extension this conference after Anton Asistio, rookie Jun Roque, Jhonard Clarito, and coach Guiao.
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