By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Sunday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
4:30 p.m. – Kia vs Rain or Shine
6:45 p.m. – NLEX vs Meralco
Unimpressed with initial choice JD Weatherspoon’s performance, Rain or Shine decided to replace him with American compatriot J’Nathan Bullock who will suit up against fellow struggler Kia in the resumption of the 2017 PBA Governors Cup action on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The dreadlock-haired Bullock, listed at 6-foot-5, has already attended a pair of training sessions since last Monday and he’s expected to provide a defensive presence for an Elasto Painters side that made bold roster moves recently in their bid to turn their fortunes around.
Rain or Shine, currently at the lower half of the 12-team field with a 1-2 mark, ended its eight-year partnership with gunner Jeff Chan who was traded to Phoenix Petroleum in exchange for fellow lefty Mark Borboran and a future second-round pick.
The Painters also parted ways with rookie Mike Tolomia, sending him to the Meralco Bolts for fellow Gilas cadet Ed Daquioag.
Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia is confident their latest roster tinkering will augur well for the Painters, especially the entry of Bullock, 30, who played football back in his high school years before he focused himself playing basketball, even plying his trade in Australia, Belgium, Iceland, and Finland.
“He isn’t as athletic as JD but he is more versatile and more experienced,” said Garcia of the former Cleveland State University stalwart. “What’s nice about him is he gets everyone involved and he is more vocal to his teammates, especially on defense.”
Garcia added he’s seeing great potential from Bullock and their new acquisitions ahead of the Painters’ showdown with the cellar-dwelling Picanto who have yet to break the ice after five tries.
