Rain or Shine’s early struggles in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup may have forced adjustments, but those changes are beginning to reshape the team’s identity.
After dropping its first two games of the conference, the Elasto Painters have responded with consecutive victories, and much of that resurgence has come from a different version of Adrian Nocum. Rather than relying solely on his trademark athleticism and scoring ability, the explosive guard has embraced a larger responsibility as Rain or Shine’s primary playmaker.
That transformation was on full display Sunday night as Rain or Shine outlasted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, with Nocum orchestrating the offense in one of the finest all-around performances of his young PBA career.
The 26-year-old produced 13 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out a new PBA career-high 10 assists, surpassing his previous best while recording his highest assist total of the conference. It also marked another steady step in his development after consistently creating opportunities for teammates throughout the tournament.
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RAINING THREES
Nagpalitan ng three-pointers ang Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at Rain or Shine Elasto Painters sa third quarter, tampok ang dalawang tres ni Jeremiah Gray at tig-isang triple nina Adrian Nocum at Luis Villegas.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/e6EBacNIvx
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 26, 2026
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao revealed that Nocum’s emergence as a floor general has been a deliberate move after the team’s sluggish start.
“We’re actually, on purpose, trying to play him a lot more minutes at the point,” said Yeng Guiao after their 0-2 start to the Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The gamble has quickly paid dividends. Nocum has now recorded at least six assists in every game this conference and has raised his average to 7.75 assists per contest, while continuing to provide scoring with 17.5 points per game.
His ability to balance attacking the basket with creating for teammates has given Rain or Shine’s offense a different rhythm during its two-game winning streak.
For Guiao, the numbers only tell part of the story.
“His decision-making is getting better, more mature, and he’s also partly… nagpapakita rin siya ng leadership,” lauded the champion bench tactician.
Nocum’s growth has also coincided with a broader shift inside the Rain or Shine locker room. Following the trade that sent former captain Gian Mamuyac elsewhere, Caelan Tiongson has taken over the leadership role, and Guiao believes that transition has encouraged more players—including Nocum—to embrace greater accountability on and off the floor.
“Si Caelan, as the leader now, is also able to inspire other guys to be part of that leadership and be accountable to their teammates. I think that’s part of the maturity of the team. We’re able to adjust to situations,” he said.
While the statistical leap has been impressive, Nocum admitted the adjustment hasn’t come easily. Long recognized as one of Rain or Shine’s most explosive finishers, he has had to rethink his approach by focusing more on directing the offense and making the right reads.
Still, the results have made the transition worthwhile. With back-to-back victories, the Elasto Painters have climbed back to an even 2-2 record after opening the conference with two straight defeats.
“Siyempre from 0-2, ngayon 2-2 na,” the 2024 All-Rookie Team member said.
Rain or Shine will now look to extend its winning streak to three when it takes on the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, July 31, carrying with it a renewed confidence built around Nocum’s continued evolution from high-flying scorer into a dependable floor general.
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