By Jonas Terrado
Raymond Almazan’s absence with Rain or Shine remains up in the air even after returning home from a lengthy absence that has left many to speculate about his future.
Insiders said Almazan went back to Manila over the weekend after spending more than a week in his home province of Bataan that prompted him to miss the Elasto Painters’ last three games in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Almazan’s agent Danny Espiritu said the former Letran star was dealing with a family matter.
But a source close to the player said the development isn’t an assurance that Almazan will be joining Rain or Shine practices, at least in the immediate future.
Team governor Mamerto Mondragon and Espiritu were scheduled to meet yesterday to discuss the matter.
Trade rumors surfaced immediately after Almazan went AWOL but co-owner Raymond Yu insisted that that management has no plans dealing the five-year veteran.
Almazan’s situation didn’t hamper Rain or Shine’s performance last Saturday when it dealt defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel a shock 104-97 defeat at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The result gave Rain or Shine its first victory after starting the season-ending conference with four straight defeats.
Terrence Watson finally stepped up for the Elasto Painters with 29 points and 19 rebounds after averaging 12.3 points and 9.0 rebounds in the previous two games since replacing J’Nathan Bullock.
Jewel Ponferada filled up the void left by Almazan by producing 18 points and five boards.
Rain or Shine tries to catch up in the playoff race tomorrow when it battles NorthPort at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Elasto Painters face the Columbian Dyip on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Meralco Bolts on Oct. 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Phoenix Fuel Masters on Oct. 24 at Cuneta, San Miguel Beermen on Oct. 27 in Binan, Laguna, and NLEX Road Warriors on Nov. 3 at Araneta.
