Andrei Caracut's clutch performance for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their five-game quarterfinals against the Magnolia Hotshots earned him the Pilipinas Live-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors.
Andrei Caracut played a pivotal role in the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters' journey to the semifinals of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
In the do-or-die Game 5, Caracut delivered when it mattered most, scoring three consecutive baskets in the fourth quarter to propel Rain or Shine to a 113-103 victory over the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in their quarterfinal matchup last Sunday.
Caracut finished with 13 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from the field, earning him the Pilipinas Live-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period of September 30 to October 6.
During that week, Caracut averaged 12.5 points while shooting 64% from the field. He also contributed 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged Caracut’s growth over the years, highlighting his ability to respond positively to tough coaching.
“Kailangan kay Andrei, inaalagaan mo, sigawan mo, mura si Andrei, pero nagre-respond siya. ‘Yun ang maganda. Meron kasing player na kapag pinapagalitan mo, they do not respond well. But Andrei responds well. Actually, all of them. They’ve gotten to a mental state where they know when I get angry, it’s a way for them to get motivated. Alam na nila ‘yun,” said Guiao.
With Rain or Shine clinging to a slim 101-99 lead in Game 5, Caracut stepped up and scored the team’s next three field goals, including a crucial running shot that pushed the lead to 107-101. He later sank two free throws, extending the lead to 111-101 and effectively sealing the win for the Elasto Painters.
Guiao expressed his confidence in Caracut’s future, as they tussle in the best-of-seven semifinals against the TNT Tropang Giga.
“Andrei made some big shots. To me, Andrei is the future of our team at the point guard position. And he will still get better. Gagaling pa si Andrei,” said Guiao.
Caracut’s standout performance earned him the weekly honor, ahead of June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, RJ Abarrientos, and Stephen Holt of Barangay Ginebra, as selected by reporters from broadsheets, tabloids, and online media covering the PBA beat.