MAC Belo was not present in Rain or Shine's first PBA on Tour game on Friday as negotiations are still underway for a new contract with the team.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, however, is confident that an agreement would be reached next week, allowing him to finally join his new team that got him from Meralco in exchange for Norbert Torres a few weeks ago.
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Guiao said Rain or Shine needed to negotiate a new contract as Belo is actually a free agent, and the Elasto Painters were only able to acquire his rights in the one-on-one trade.
“Hindi pa kasi nakaka-sign si Mac Belo. We are still talking to him. We only acquired the rights to him. Wala siyang live contract. We are in the process of negotiating his contract,” said Guiao.
“By next week siguro, matatapos namin ‘yung usapan namin,” said Guiao. “We will see.”
Guiao said Rain or Shine will give Belo time to get accustomed to the team.
“We will be lenient or relaxed in the approach kay Mac. Gusto namin na makuha muna niya ‘yung feel ng team. Makuha din namin ‘yung feel of having him. Hindi naman siya mamadaliin,” said Guiao.
Rain or Shine acquired Belo’s rights after his uneventful stay with Meralco from 2021 to 2023 where he had limited minutes.
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Guiao assured that Rain or Shine will give Belo opportunities to revive his career.
“What I can say is we will give him the chance. We will give him the opportunity to revive his career, revive his confidence. The rest, nasa kanya na ‘yun,” said Guiao.
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