Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will represent the country in the invitational tourney.
Rey Nambatac couldn't help but be thrilled when he learned that the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are joining the William Jones Cup in Taiwan next month.
Nambatac, in fact, likened the feeling to donning a Gilas Pilipinas jersey as the Elasto Painters will represent the country in the invitational tourney.
Ange Kouame will reinforce the team.
“Medyo Gilas ‘yung feeling, pero pinagkaiba lang ‘yung name ng team,” he said after Rain or Shine’s 118-112 win over NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday.
For assistant coach Mike Buendia, the Jones Cup stint will be the team’s gauge heading into the regular season.
“It’s gonna be a big test for us pero magandang experience ‘yun for our team, especially going into a season na mauuna ‘yung may import. 'Cause we’ll be playing bigger teams doon,” Buendia told reporters after the match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Nambatac couldn’t agree more.
The former Letran Knight knows that regardless of the outcome, this experience will go a long way in the Elasto Painters' development, both individually and as a team.
“Pinaka-excited ako ‘yung dun sa makakalaban mo ‘yung mga different countries na sila mga top teams sa kani-kaniyang mga bansa,” he said.
“I’m sure kapag kalaban mo sila may makukuha kang experience na maganda, may mage-gain kang lesson. 'Pag balik sa Pilipinas talagang for sure maa-apply namin sa PBA.”
Rain or Shine currently totes a 7-2 record in the PBA On Tour and is in solo second behind the unbeaten Magnolia Hotshots.
(MDB)