PBA: Mac Belo still groping for form but raring to go for Rain or Shine

FILE – Mac Belo during a game against Rain or Shine in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines-Mac Belo vowed to make the most of the chance he’ll have ahead of his expected debut with Rain or Shine in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday against San Miguel Beer.

“I just have to do my best,” Belo said in Filipino on Friday when the Elasto Painters posted a 118-108 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Belo didn’t play during the contest as coach Yeng Guiao preferred to give the recently-acquired forward from Meralco time to get a feel of how things are running at the Rain or Shine camp.

The former Far Eastern University star, whose minutes dwindled during his final few months with Meralco, showed up a bit thinner than normally does, and Guiao said that they plan to have Belo bulk up a few pounds.

But Belo, who has already practiced twice with the team, insisted that his conditioning is fine.

“I just want to get myself in game shape, although I’ve been actively doing a lot of things even when I didn’t play. It’s just that I’m lacking in terms of game shape,” he added.

The 30-year-old was traded from Meralco last May 8 in exchange for Norbert Torres, but only signed a one-year contract last week.

Many see the change in employer as an opportunity to once again rediscover the form that made him one of the promising players early in his PBA career.

“I’m grateful to those who missed me playing and I couldn’t wait to finally play [for Rain or Shine],” said Belo.

The Elasto Painters, who have won their first two games in the On Tour, face the Beermen at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

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