Painters, Bolts start F4 series

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was quick to dismiss the supposed advantages his Elasto Painters enjoy against Meralco as they square off for a championship series slot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Well, except for two things, which could prove to be the most important in this side of the Final Four that gets off the ground at 7 tonight at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“Only because they are going to be new in the semifinals, yes, we have an advantage in experience,” Guiao said. “But in terms of talent, in terms of size and abilities of the players, we are not more talented than Meralco.

“And we have been together for the longest time,” Guiao said.

Guiao and his Painters were in the semifinals of this conference last season but fell short. They would like to get the job done this time, most especially with Wayne Chism looming as one of the best imports around.

The local Rain or Shine crew is also teeming with talent and no matter what Guiao said, the Painters are far deeper than the Bolts.

Jared Dilinger will be out for the rest of the tournament because of an injured left knee, and this will be one of coach Norman Black’s problems as he lost a truly reliable stopper whom he could throw in to try and contain the likes of Paul Lee and Jeff Chan.

Guiao also has one of the best defenders in the league in Gabe Norwood, who will likely be assigned to mark gunslinger Gary David.

David, the two-time Scoring Champion, exploded for 31 points on Sunday and was the main reason why the Bolts came back from 20 points down to pip sister squad NLEX and Al Thornton in overtime, 91-85.

“It will be an intense battle with Rain or Shine,” Black said. “We have to come out with loads of energy if we want to get Game 1.”

The winner of this series will advance versus the survivor of the Purefoods-Talk ‘N Text series that starts tomorrow, also at the Big Dome.