Rain or Shine kicks off PBA Comm’s Cup bid with depleted roster

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Just like last conference, Rain or Shine will once again begin its campaign with a depleted roster.

But coach Yeng Guiao and his wards remain motivated to make a run for the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship nonetheless.

“We will certainly use everything that can motivate us. It’s in our heads. We know we’re good enough to make it to the Finals,” he said.

The Elasto Painters will be missing key figures to begin their journey this second conference.

Paul Lee is still out for two weeks due to his knee injury, Jeff Chan is expected to sit out Rain or Shine’s game against Star on Saturday because of a bum left elbow, and Raymond Almazan is still day-to-day as he recovers from a sprained ankle.

But what bothers Guiao more than the injuries is lack of time to train with reigning Best Import Wayne Chism.

“The rest is OK. The problem was in the offseason, because we got deep in the playoffs, di kami nakapag-scrimmage with our import. We haven’t played with Wayne against any team, and haven’t practiced with him as a team this conference,” he said.

But Guiao is banking on his import’s hunger for the title especially on Chism’s third stint for Rain or Shine.

“Among all imports, he was the first to come in and I think that’s an indication of his desire to win a championship and defend his Best Import title,” the fiery coach said.

Despite the shortage of scrimmages with Chism in the off-season, Guiao is hoping his players remain familiar with the Tennessee standout’s style of play.

“We hope that our experience with him last year and him being familiar with everybody else is good enough to negate our lack of practice games in the offseason.”