ROS still working on team chemistry says owner
RAIN OR SHINE owner Raymond Yu could not hide his frustration after seeing his team failing to advance past the quarterfinal round for the second straight Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) conference.
Just like their fans who wanted to see better results and see the same consistency they have seen from the team, Mr. Yu was also disappointed.
“I’m disappointed because we let our fans and our supporters down,” Mr. Yu told Business-World. “We didn’t live up to their expectations.”
According to Mr. Yu, there were several factors that led to the team’s struggle the past two conferences.
“We’re not that solid as a team. Yes, we have the talented players, but we lacked team chemistry. I don’t think you could blame it on the import because remember, we won a championship last season with the lowest scoring average import in PBA history — Pierre Henderson-Niles,” said Mr. Yu.
“I just want my team back. I want the old Rain or Shine team that is rugged and shows a lot of character in winning games,” Mr. Yu added.
The Rain or Shine owner also asked their fans and their supporters to be more patient as the team is still undergoing transition under head coach Caloy Garcia, who took over the reins from Yeng Guiao, now the coach of the NLEX Road Warriors.
Mr. Garcia has been receiving criticisms from fans who want him out of the squad as they perceived him as the main reason for the team not performing as hoped.
“Coach Caloy knows his basketball. He knows his Xs and Os and he has been here a long time,” said Mr. Yu. “But we have to remember, Coach Yeng’s shoes are too big to fill. It would take a little more time for us before we can get our winning ways back. I am requesting our fans to be more patient.” A consistent fixture in the playoffs, the Elasto Painters were booted out early in the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The team underwent changes during the off season, losing not only Mr. Guiao but also ace point guard Paul Lee and veteran slotman JR Quiñahan in separate player trades.
But Rain or Shine was able to acquire two- time Most Valuable Player James Yap and multiple Best Player of the Conference winner Jay Washington, both of whom play for the franchise during its Philippine Basketball League days.