Dubai sortie crucial for Rain or Shine import

Yeng Guiao. PBA FILE PHOTO

THE FATE of Rain or Shine import Wendell McKinis hinges on the results of the Elasto Painters’ back-to-back games in Dubai tomorrow and Friday against Globalport and Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

After dropping their first two assignments in the season-closing conference, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao told the Inquirer over the phone that they will seriously evaluate McKinis against the Batang Pier and the Gin Kings for his individual capabilities and his ability to win games.

“He’s not bad,” Guiao said of McKinis. “But the bottom line is [leading the team to wins].”

Rain or Shine languishes in the cellar, a rare situation for the Painters ever since Guiao took over as coach four years ago.

In fact, the Painters have been one of the most consistent teams in the league, reaching the Finals in seven of the last nine conferences and winning the 2012 Governors’ Cup with Jamelle Cornley as import.

Just recently, the Painters battled the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in a gripping seven-game championship series for the Commissioner’s Cup, falling just short in the deciding match.

“We have a week off after (the Dubai tiffs),” Guiao said. “That’s the time when we will think what to do.”

McKinis averaged just over 21 points and 12 rebounds in the first two games for the Painters, who planed into Dubai still licking the wounds of a thrilling 94-93 loss to the Alaska Aces.

The Painters lost to the San Miguel Beermen, 104-91, where McKinis scored 19, had 10 rebounds and made just 3-of-10 free throws.

Tournament action resumes in the country on Sunday with the interesting double header pitting unbeaten Barako Bull against Meralco and the Beermen clashing with defending champion Star Hotshots at Smart Araneta Coliseum.