By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rain or Shine is ready to move forward with a tried-and-tested hand at the helm.
The Elasto Painters announced that they signed head coach Yeng Guiao to a five-year deal on Wednesday, March 22, showing their intention to continue with their rebuild under the coach that also guided them to two championships.
Guiao will be the team’s head coach until 2028, also debunking rumors spreading online about the possibility of the champion coach departing Rain or Shine after re-joining the team prior to the start of the Commissioner’s Cup.
Under the fiery mentor, the Elasto Painters ended a two-conference playoff drought when they finished at the eliminations as the eighth seed of the mid-season conference.
The team however struggled with its reinforcements in the Governors’ Cup after initially taking Michael Qualls before replacement Greg Smith II went down with an injury.
Rain or Shine tried to bring another import in Jordan Tolbert but didn’t make it to the height limit prompting the Elasto Painters to play all-Filipino in their last few games.
Guiao already bared his plans to rebuild the team after finishing 10th in the season-ending conference through its two first round picks and possibly exploring potential trades.