With the impending entry of top pick Standhardinger, Rain or Shine turns to Beau Belga for leadership

BEAU BELGA has long been known as a PBA enforcer, bringing toughness to Rain or Shine’s championship run.

But Mr. Belga’s game has evolved through the years since he became a part of the Gilas Pilipinas program. Although he didn’t see action in any of the international games overseas, the burly 6-foot-5 front liner emerged as a better player upon his return to his mother squad.

He has served as mentor for the other young big men in his squad, including Raymond Almazan, the 6-foot-8 center who has assumed the role as one of the front liners of Gilas Pilipinas.

This season, Rain or Shine owner Raymond Yu wants his prized big man to play a more mature role in the Elasto Painters’ campaign.

“We look for Belga to become one of the leaders of the team,” Mr. Yu told BusinessWorld in an interview. “We want him to embrace this role, especially with the impending entry of top pick Christian Standhardinger.”

Mr. Standhardinger, the 6- foot- 8, Fil- German player, is also a vital cog of Gilas Pilipinas squad where he played as a naturalized player.

In the PBA, though, he would be the other pair of the awesome front line duo of the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen as he will play alongside reigning four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.

Mr. Yu gives Mr. Belga the responsibility of playing a more vital role for the squad on how they could stop Mr. Standhardinger and the league’s other big men.

“I think it’s time for him to play a major role as one of the leaders of the team,” added Mr. Yu. “His role will be crucial in terms of helping contain the other big men in the league. We look up for him as one of the leaders now.” —