PBA: Rain or Shine’s youth showing promise in preseason

Rain or Shine guard Gian Mamuyac. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—It’s no secret that Rain or Shine is in an unusual position compared to previous years.

What used to be a force to be reckoned with became a forgettable name in the PBA. That, however, may all change as they have seemingly found the right pieces in their rebuilding phase.

In the ongoing PBA On Tour preseason, the Elasto Painters have emerged as the second-best team in the league with an 8-2 record just behind undefeated Magnolia (9-0). 

Much of the team’s success is due to the rise of the squad’s three young stars Gian Mamuyac,  Andrei Caracut and Shaun Ildefonso—players who were drafted by ROS in the past two years.

“[Their progression] has been really good. You can see their wonderful chemistry because they like playing for each other,” said coach Yeng Guiao in Filipino after their 131-108 romp of Blackwater at San Juan Arena on Sunday.

“Their chemistry is really natural, not anything you have to force. I don’t even have to scream at them for them to play the way they do.”

Caracut (18), Mamuyac (17) and Ildefonso (12) combined for 47 points as Rain or Shine snapped Blackwater’s three-game winning streak.

But Sunday is not just an isolated case that saw the young troika come up big for the Painters this preseason.

The trio has been solid on a regular basis in the On Tour. Mamuyac is posting 13.6 points per game while Caracut and Ildefonso are averaging 10.8 and 10.3 points, respectively.

“They like (playing with) each other and that’s an additional benefit for us as a team and even me, as a coach,” explained Guiao.

‘Key player’

Rain or Shine forward Leonard Santillan. PBA IMAGES

The three aren’t the only players who drew praise from Guiao.

Guiao also had a lot of good things to say about forward Leonard Santillan.

Santillan topscored for Rain or Shine against Blackwater with 24 points built on four triples to go along with three rebounds and three assists.

“He’ll be one of the pillars for our young players and that’s good news for us. Santi’s building up his confidence and game,” revealed the top coach.

The 27-year-old Santillan is averaging 12.1 points and 7.6 boards a night in only 28 minutes of play.

“Santi is going to be a key player for this team, if he’s not already.”

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