Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ rookie Caelan Tiongson in his PBA debut. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine got a shot in the arm when both rookies Caelan Tiongson and Felix Lemetti balled out in the Elasto Painters’ season-opening win over Blackwater in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
Tiongson and Lemetti were instrumental in Rain or Shine’s 110-97 win, much to the delight of coach Yeng Guiao.
“I’m happy with the performances of our rookies. Caelan played well. Felix played well,” said Guiao.
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“We had some idea of how he (Lemetti) plays. We researched how he plays and we knew he was a scorer. [With] Caelan, we know how he plays… we took a chance on him and it paid off really well.”
Tiongson tallied 15 points and five rebounds while Lemetti ended up with 11 points, missing just two of his five shots from the field.
Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ rookie Felix Lemetti. –PBA IMAGES
Tiongson and Lemetti were consecutively picked by Rain or Shine in this year’s draft at seventh and eighth, respectively.
However, Guiao stressed that there’s still work to be done for both rookies, especially since the import-laden conference has barely scratched the surface.
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“I think they just need familiarity [more]. Caelan has practically retired in the last two years so he’s just getting back to his game. Lemetti played in Sweden and in the States so he’s not familiar with the local style but we know we can make the adjustments.”
“I think [their] upside is still great, that’s why I feel positive about our chances at this conference.”
Up next for the Elasto Painters is Ginebra on Saturday in Candon, Ilocos Sur.