Rain or Shine’s top import prospect Wayne Chism has informed the team that he will not be available for a second tour of duty with the Elasto Painters in the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
ROS official Mamerto Mondragon said yesterday that the 6-foot-9 Chism has informed them that he was not given clearance to leave by his current team Hapoel Gilboa Galil, a ballclub in the Israel Super League.
“He confirmed that he’ll not be coming,” said Mondragon. “So up to now, we still don’t have an import. We’re looking at three other prospects, including one who played four seasons in the NBA.”
Chism, 27, played for Rain or Shine during last season’s Commissioner’s Cup, helping the team reach the semifinal round but was swept by Talk ’N Text in the five-game series.
Mondragon requested not to divulge the identify of their three prospects, particularly the one who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, until they finalize a deal with their import for next conference that starts Jan. 28.
Rain or Shine will resume its training session on Monday, more than a week following that painful 4-2 defeat to Alaska in their best-of-seven semifinal series in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Elasto Painters are scheduled to participate in the Dubai Invitational set between Jan. 14 to 25. PBA newcomer North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will also play in the said tournament.
Mondragon said they are hoping to finally have their reinforcement by the time the team leaves for Dubai.
“Of course, that’s the plan, to have our import before the Dubai tournament. One of the main reasons why the team is going to Dubai is to train together with the import. So hopefully we’ll get one this week or early next week,” added Mondragon.
So far, only four PBA teams have already signed their respective imports for the Commissioner’s Cup.
Kia will have 7-foot-3 Peter John Ramos, Blackwater will parade 7-2 Chris Charles and 7-1 Solomon Alabi, a former Toronto Raptor, will banner Barako Bull.
NLEX, which is also allowed to have import with unlimited height, decided to have 6-foot-8 forward Al Thornton, also a former NBA player who arrived yesterday and had his first training session with the Road Warriors.