Rain or Shine has opted to bring in early its import for the PBA Governors’ Cup as coach Yeng Guiao wants Wendell McKines to get familiar with the style of play of the Elasto Painters.
Listed at 6-foot-5, this will be the second stint of McKines in the PBA having played with the Alaska Aces during the 2013 Governors’ Cup. That conference, Wendell and Alaska lost to eventual champion San Mig Coffee (now Purefoods) in their quarterfinal showdown.
That’s why he’s motivated in helping ROS win the title.
“It’s great to get early, I have a lot of time to get comfortable with the team and with the system,” said McKines yesterday after the ROS practice session at the Northeast Green Hill gym in San Juan. “I also have time to get familiar with the players, not only on the basketball court but also off the court.”
Before coming here, McKines, 26, played for Elitzur Ashkelon in Israel, and had stints on France and in South Korea. He arrived here last Monday and has joined the ROS training session.
In his initial stint in the PBA with Alaska, McKines averaged 29.7 points and 15.1 rebounds with 3.3 assists. He said the experience he had here two years ago is a big help, as he knows the physical level in the PBA.
“We have no choice but to be successful (with ROS). They’ve been consistent in making the playoffs. I know my strengths and I know my weaknesses. So I think I’m a good fit for Rain or Shine,” said McKines.