By JONAS TERRADO
Rain or Shine is hoping to reap the benefits of the experience gained by coach Caloy Garcia and six of its players after representing the country in the recent Asian Games when they start campaigning in the PBA Governors’ Cup later this month.
Garcia was part of the coaching staff handled by Yeng Guiao while Gabe Norwood, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Chris Tiu, James Yap and Maverick Ahanmisi saw action for the Philippine squad that finished fifth in the two-week competition held in Jakarta.
“We saw how the other teams give their 100 percent even if they are down by 30 points. I told the team that that’s the mentality we have to have. We have to give our maximum effort every game,” Garcia said after the second evening of Gilas Pilipinas practice at the Meralco gym last Tuesday.
“I also felt that I learned a lot watching the national teams play. Watching Korea play, watching how they move and how we can adopt certain plays. I hope we can bring that experience this conference,” added Garcia.
The Elasto Painters were given enough time to reacquaint themselves as a group before they make their debut in the season-ending conference on Sept. 22 in Passi City, Iloilo.
Rain or Shine, however, is bracing for a compact schedule that will see the squad play three games in late-September, seven in October and one in November.
Once again serving as import for Rain or Shine is J’Nathan Bullock, who will see action for the second straight year.
Bullock saw action in last season’s Governors’ Cup, nearly leading the Elasto Painters to an upset win over TNT in the quarterfinals.
“The reason why we got him is because he can play multiple positions,” said Garcia. “We have six big men and nine guards and he can play from the point to the big.”
Garcia was also pleased with how the other Rain or Shine players who were not part of the national team handled the PBA preparation.
“I think the other players that stayed here have gained their confidence so I’m happy with what the coaching staff did when we were not here,” he said.
