Rain or Shine’s resilience and growth will be tested in their third straight playoff clash with TNT, as head coach Yeng Guiao stressed how their maturity has been the driving force behind their semifinal run in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
Rain or Shine has proven its resilience throughout the PBA season, overcoming multiple do-or-die scenarios to secure a place in the semifinals against a powerhouse TNT Tropang Giga squad.
Head coach Yeng Guiao credited his team’s growth and maturity as a key factor in their recent success.
Guiao sees growth in young core
In an interview with Noli Eala in the One PH's Power and Play, Guiao emphasized how his players have evolved beyond being labeled as a young team.
“Nagma-mature na ‘yung mga bata. Natuto nang lumaban. Dati ‘yung description sa team namin, puro mga bata. Sinabihan ko na sila. Hindi na tayo mga bata. We should be able to mature. Kapag dikdikan o kaya malapitan, alam na natin kung paano tayo magre-react,” Guiao shared.
After navigating three do-or-die games, Rain or Shine emerged as a battle-tested squad heading into a daunting matchup against TNT.
“Tatlong do-or-die ‘yong pinagdaanan namin, eh. ‘Yung isa, nakalusot. Ibig sabihin marunong na talagang lumaban sa mga gano’ng sitwasyon. Going into the series with TNT na sobrang lakas.”
Nocum’s impact beyond expectations
One of Rain or Shine’s most promising contributors has been the young Adrian Nocum, who continues to impress despite being the 24th pick in the draft.
“Si Adrian [Nocum] #24 na ‘yan sa drafting. Pero noon pa lang, nakita na namin potensyal niya. Sa rookie year, parang beterano na maglaro,” Guiao said. “Actually ang pinaka-nagustuhan ko sa kaniya kasi alam kong magpe-peak siya sa laro namin, meron siyang natural na bilis. Parang track and field player, ba. Pagdating sa takbuhan, he’s one of the fastest in open court.”
Beyond his speed and athleticism, Nocum’s willingness to learn has stood out to Guiao.
“Mataas talaga ‘yong tingin ko sa ability niya. Aside from his athleticism, napaka-coachable niya.”
Deon Thompson’s presence on and off the court
Rain or Shine’s import Deon Thompson has also made an impact, not just with his skills but also with his demeanor. Guiao praised the reinforcement's humility and professional approach to the game.
“Una, napaka-humble ni Deon Thompson. Hindi siya ‘yung import na itra-trashtalk ka. Trabaho lang siya. Whether he puts up a dunk or a nice play, ang mukha niya pareho lang. That’s a sign of his maturity also and humility.”
Strategizing against TNT’s firepower
With Rain or Shine now in the semifinals, Guiao is preparing for the challenge of facing TNT, a team filled with veteran talents and a well-oiled system under Coach Chot Reyes.
“Yung pangatlong beses na kaming pumasok sa quarterfinals, we are a lot better now that we have our first semi-finals appearance. Coupled it with our second appearance, and ngayong third sila rin, the familiarity with the style, with the style of Coach Chot [Reyes] and TNT in general, the more familiar you are, the better you are able to manage or counter ‘yong ginagawa nila.”
Guiao sees a potential advantage in adjusting his rotation, particularly in matching up against TNT’s dominant import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
“Ang advantage ko dito, I will dig deeper on my rotation against RHJ. Mas marami akong options ngayon. From a coaching standpoint, playing with smaller imports and now with a bigger import who has better range, for me that’s a coaching advantage.”
Despite this, Guiao remains wary of TNT’s overall depth and experience.
“‘Di ko naman alam if sapat ‘yon don sa advantage ni Coach Chot do’n sa inherent talent ng team. Sobrang beterano ng team na ‘to, eh. RHJ best import, ilang finals, ilang championship na ‘yan. Sa amin kulang kami sa ganyang experience.”
TNT’s veteran leadership, led by Jayson Castro, Calvin Oftana, and Roger Pogoy, adds another layer of difficulty for Rain or Shine.
“Si Jayson Castro, grabe ang talino maglaro. Saka talent din niya. Although mina-manage niya ‘yong minutes ni Jayson, ang laki pa rin ng impact niya every time ginagamit siya, eh. And then ‘yong double threat niya from the outside—si [Calvin] Oftana saka si [RJ] Pogoy.”
With the semifinals set, Rain or Shine will need to rely on their newfound maturity, young talent, and tactical adjustments to challenge a TNT team that has long been a PBA contender.
[ALSO READ: Adrian Nocum, Rain or Shine look for better start vs TNT in PBA semifinals]
Rain or Shine vs TNT will open the semifinals this Wednesday, 5 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Watch the full interview here: