ROS gets Borboran, draft pick.
Jeff Chan’s long stint with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came to an end yesterday after he was traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in exchange for Mark Borboran and a future second-round draft pick.
Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia confirmed the trade which was later approved by PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa. Chan will play for his third team after starting his pro career with Barako Bull in 2008.
Chan’s acquisition comes at a time when Phoenix is in dire need of regaining its bearings in the Governors’ Cup. After starting the conference with two straight victories, the Fuel Masters dropped three in a row, including Sunday’s 92-86 loss to the Blackwater Elite.
The multi-time national team player is the latest Rain or Shine figure to move in less than a year. Coach Yeng Guiao went to the NLEX Road Warriors before the start of the season, Paul Lee was dealt to the Star Hotshots for James Yap and JR Quiñahan was sent to the GlobalPort Batang Pier, eventually reuniting with Guiao at the Road Warriors camp.
The southpaw wingman from Far Eastern University joined Rain or Shine in 2009 in a trade with Barako Bull, beginning a tenure that made him become one of the PBA’s best shooters.
He earned that distinction following Guiao’s arrival in 2010 as the Elasto Painters emerged as one the PBA’s elite teams. Chan helped the franchise win its first PBA title in the 2012 Governors’ Cup, capturing Finals Most Valuable Player in the process.
Chan was also named Most Improved Player that same season and shared the All-Star Game MVP with Arwind Santos in 2013, before representing Gilas Pilipinas in the 2012 William Jones Cup, 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, 2014 FIBA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Chan also figured prominently in Rain or Shine’s second title which came in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup which also included Guiao, Lee, Gabe Norwood, Quiñahan and Beau Belga.
Borboran, also a nine-year vet, hopes to provide the needed help in the frontcourt, even as the roles of Jericho Cruz, James Yap and rookie Mike Tolomia are likely to grow bigger following Chan’s departure.