E-Painters sticking with running game
RAIN or Shine does not need the long break it is currently having before identifying its next moves when it resumes its PBA Philippine Cup campaign.
One thing coach Yeng Guiao assures is that one of his Elasto Painters' main weapons in utilizing an up-tempo style of game would remain.
"Naka-ano na, areglado na iyung rotation namin para ma-sustain 'yung speed namin," said Guiao Tuesday. "Di na mag-iiba iyon."
Guiao made the assurance even with big man Keith Datu set to return earlier than expected from a knee injury that was supposed to sideline him for five more weeks.
"Datu mas malaki chance na makabalik ng agad-agad kaysa kay Luis. Ano siya, siguro after the All-Stars," said Guiao. "Pero nandiyan na si Datu running na kami, okay naman kami sa running game with* him."
The same fast-paced game would also not be altered once another big in Luis Villegas, would finally be fit enough to make his league debut.
Rain or Shine made the 6-7 center-forward the No. 3 pick overall in last year's draft despite an ACL and torn meniscus he suffered last year and was originally expected to finally see action following the PBA All-Star Weekend and Lenten break.
"Kasama pa rin siya sa mga plano namin, pero medyo tingin ko delayed. Hindi pa namin siya mabatak ng husto, nagaalangan pa kami so alalay pa kami sa kanya," revealed Guiao.
"Pagdating ni Luis palagay ko ganoon pa rin ang running game namin. Hindi na magiiba iyan kasi may speed din naman si Luis," added Guiao.
When Datu got sidelined early in a game against Barangay Ginebra last March 8, Rain or Shine was forced to alternate Beau Belga and Leonard Santillan at center with Gabe Norwood and Mark Borboran playing power forward.
It took two more games before the ploy finally worked, resulting in a 100-85 win over Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday that lifted the EPainters to a 1-4 record.
Rain or Shine hopes to use whatever momentum it gained to full use when it returns to the court on April 3, with or without Datu, against winless Converge at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. ( NC)