Rain or Shine rookie Gian Mamuyac during a game against Terrafirma in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Gian Mamuyac took the lid off a new facet of his game on Sunday night, helping Rain or Shine to a 106-94 over Terrafirma.
Known as a defensive whiz throughout his time with the famed Blue Eagles in college, Mamuyac flexed his offensive muscles, finishing 17 points in the second half to help his club to a second-straight win in three outings.
It was quite a performance for the rookie, who missed out on the club’s first two meetings because of the flu. And naturally, coach Yeng Guiao was pleased.
“‘Mamu’ gave us points at a crucial time,” the fiery mentor said. “It was at a time when we couldn’t shake the enemy off. He strung up points.”
“He’s probably more known for his defensive abilities, but now he seems to be a balanced [player],” Guiao went on. “That’s better for us.”
Guiao went on as far as comparing Mamuyac as a fusion of now team manager Jireh Ibañes and the club’s former ace marksman Jeff Chan.
Mamuyac was drafted 5th overall by the blue-collar club during the Rookie Draft.
The lanky guard, for his part, said his spectacular outing was simply because of the freedom in Guiao’s system.
“Our offense is really a free-flowing offense. It produces equal opportunities for everyone. Coming into every game, my mindset is simply to be aggressive on defense and give whatever I can for my team [on both ends].”
Guiao said that Mamuyac thriving in his system should augur well for his club.
“The progress has been swift. I did not expect this team to jell this soon and be able to catch on with the system this soon,” said the seasoned mentor who returned to his old team during the break after six seasons with the NLEX franchise.
“It seems that we were able to accelerate our cohesion and the players absorbing the system,” he went on. “A good sign for us.”
“I always point out that it is perhaps because of the good foundation of the team, which is why our [progression] has been quick.”
Rain or Shine, as things stand, is currently in the top half of the draw, just behind 3-0 guest club Bay Area and then Magnolia and the Road Warriors which sport an identical 2-0 record.
The Painters hop to annex a third straight win when it takes on the mighty San Miguel Beer which makes its conference debut this Sunday at the newly-refurbished PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.