The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will feature a highly touted import.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao was pragmatic when asked about their chances in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, which will unfold on November 5 and will feature a diverse crop of imports.
Talking to reporters during the PBA Media Day on Tuesday, Guiao said they don't want to overestimate themselves. He noted that their mindset is to just be competitive every single game.
On paper, Rain or Shine could pull off surprises behind import DaJuan Summers. He was the 35th overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft, getting picked ahead of the likes of Patrick Beverley, Marcus Thornton, Danny Green, and Patty Mills. He, however, didn't pan out, playing only four years in the league.
Still, with his credentials, which include an NBA G League Third Team selection, a FIBA Asia Champions Cup First Team nod, and stops in Italy, Spain, South Korea, and South Korea, to name a few, Summers could heavily challenge for the Best Import trophy.
Especially since one guy is possibly out of commission: Justin Brownlee.
Guiao also openly talked about the tough situation of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
"Mukhang advantage for the other teams, probably giving them a better chance to get to the finals or semifinals. Alam naman natin kapag nandiyan si Brownlee, either finalist or champion ang Ginebra," said the seven-time PBA champion coach.
He, however, also issued a caution.
"Pero kailangan din mag-ingat muna tayo sa thought na 'yun kasi with the resources of Ginebra, with the expertise of their coaching staff and their scouting abilities, kayang kaya nila kumuha ng magaling na import ulit," noted Guiao.
ALSO READ: There's a bold solution to longtime PBA salary cap issues, suggests Quinito Henson
Barangay Ginebra has won two of the last three titles in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, with Brownlee being named Best Import twice in that stretch.
Veteran sports analyst Quinito Henson hinted that coach Tim Cone and Team NSD have already found a replacement for JB.
But again, the 64-year-old Guiao, who has four diadems from the PBA Commissioner's Cup, tempered his thoughts.
"It's very hard to fill the big shoes of Brownlee. Pero ang hahanapin mo naman hindi 'yung kasing eksakto ng style ng laro niya. There is only one Justin Brownlee," said Guiao. "But I'm sure they (Barangay Ginebra) can figure that out. They can find somebody who would be helpful to them in some other ways and as effective (as Brownlee) in giving them wins."
The Elasto Painters will open their campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup against the Meralco Bolts on November 8.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)