Garcia, Rain or Shine taking wait-and-see approach ahead of draft

FILE – Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — With the new season just a few months away, Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia is taking things slowly and steadily ahead of the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft.

Garcia already boasts a formidable lineup and he’s in no rush to make any moves at this point of the offseason.

“As of now we’re waiting for the submission of draftees so at least we can study our team on what we need and at the same time if we’re going to do any moves,” said Garcia as per the league’s official website.

Garcia is also hoping that the Filipino-foreign applicants can ultimately fulfill their requirements for the draft and at the same time wait if the league will once again implement a special selection for the Gilas players.

“We’re picking No. 5 and I think we have three picks in the second round,” said Garcia. “Hopefully, the PBA allows them to enter the Draft. We’re also waiting if there’d be a Gilas draft or none.”

While the league is on break, Garcia wants nothing more than his players to get into shape.

Garcia already communicated with his coaches before heading into Calamba at Inspire Sports Academy to join Gilas Pilipinas as one of its assistant coaches.

“I met with my coaching staff before I went here in the bubble, and we continue with our Zoom meetings at the same time. Right now, we’re just waiting for us to be allowed to practice,” said Garcia.

“The players are attending our workouts, hopefully once they start allowing practices in the gym we’ll start right away.”

The PBA is currently waiting for the go-signal from the respective local government units and the Games and Amusements Board on when individual team practices will be permitted.