Thrust into bigger role for RoS, Nambatac looks to be more vocal

Rain or Shine guard Rey Nambatac. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines–Rey Nambatac, Rain or Shine’s scrappy young guard, was a revelation for the ElastoPainters in the previous PBA season.

Then in his second year, Nambatac showed his clutch form in multiple instances, towing Caloy Garcia’s gritty team to victories—some even against league powerhouses.

But the 25-year-old playmaker insists there is still plenty of growing to do.

“I feel like I have to double my effort,” he said in Filipino shortly after the team’s practice at Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong on Thursday.

“I feel like this season, a lot of tough challenges are waiting for me.”

Shooting and consistency are among them, but what he is most worried about is his reluctance at times.

“I feel like my shyness overcomes me during some games. I tend to pass the ball even if a shot is already meant for me,” he said.

Nambatac knows he needs to become a better leader if he hopes to again help Rain or Shine to another deep finish in the all-Filipino conference.

“I have a slightly heftier role this time out, so I also aspire to be more vocal now,” he said.

And of course, there’s the fact that he is now more than just a blip on opposing team’s radars.

“I also can no longer afford to relax this time. I feel like teams now have included me in their scouting reports.”