PBA: Rookie Adrian Nocum stepping up for Rain or Shine

Rain or Shine rookie Adrian Nocum.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—After five tries in the PBA Philippine Cup, Rain or Shine finally notched its first win at the expense of Phoenix behind another stellar game from rookie Adrian Nocum on Sunday.

The win also marked the Elasto Painters’ first since parting ways with former star guard Rey Nambatac last month.

Nocum finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals, much to the delight of coach Yeng Guiao.

“We need guys to really step up especially since Rey, one of our top scorers, isn’t here anymore. It’s good that Adrian played well today but actually, he’s been playing good games in the past few games but his play really changes and he becomes a bigger threat when he makes his three-point shots,” said Guiao in Filipino after Rain or Shine’s 100-85 win.

“Today, he made enough three-point shots for him to be able to balance his offense.”

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup

Compared to the past few games where Nocum scored most of his points inside, the Mapua product made five 3-pointers out of nine attempts.

Nocum shot a blistering 52 percent clip from the field as he gave the Fuel Masters fits in different areas of the court which was exactly what Guiao wanted him to do more of.

“I’ve been telling that to him for a while now, I want him to balance his game and not just penetrate and slash. He needs to take the open threes because he’s been practicing that and at least, they’re going in.”

Nocum, who’s averaging 16 points, three rebounds and four assists per game, acknowledged his coach’s call and vowed to be more consistent in the following games after the All-Star break.

“I need to practice my shots outside because I’ll have a hard time if I just drive. I worked on it in practice and I applied it today. They give me confidence when I’m open,” said Nocum in Filipino.

“My problem with myself is my consistency. Every game, I need to be consistent. The outside shots, I have to take them if I’m open and grab the opportunity so I’ll work on it and just keep practicing,” he added.