Rain or Shine’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign may have ended in disappointment, but Jaylen Johnson made it clear that his story with the Elasto Painters may not be over just yet.
Moments after Rain or Shine bowed out of the semifinals with a 118-107 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 6, Johnson was already looking ahead.
While the result ended the team’s title aspirations for the conference, the import’s focus quickly shifted toward the possibility of returning and finishing what he started.
Johnson delivered another all-around performance in the deciding game, posting 27 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists as Rain or Shine fought to keep its season alive.
However, Ginebra’s firepower ultimately proved too much, with Justin Brownlee leading the way with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while RJ Abarrientos added 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
Despite the defeat, Johnson’s message was centered less on the loss and more on the pursuit of a championship that remains out of reach.
“I want to win a championship. If they (Rain or Shine) have me back, I’ll love to come back,” he said.
The import doubled down on that commitment, emphasizing that the semifinal exit only strengthened his motivation to return to the league.
“I don’t want it to end, but I’ll be back for sure. You will see a lot more of me because I can’t leave like that,” Johnson added.
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TIL’ NEXT TIME, JJ!
PBA fans took the chance to snap selfies and bid goodbye to Jaylen Johnson following the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ semifinal exit against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the #PBA50 Commissioner’s Cup. | via Mau Muarip/One Sports#PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/YFl6YFzfUs
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 31, 2026
His performance throughout the conference gave Rain or Shine a dependable centerpiece on both ends of the floor, helping the team navigate injuries and roster challenges en route to another semifinal appearance.
Although the Elasto Painters fell short of advancing, Johnson’s impact left a strong impression on the franchise and its supporters.
For head coach Yeng Guiao, the conference was another example of a team that continued to compete despite facing adversity. Rain or Shine reached the semifinals for the fifth time in the last six conferences, but once again found itself a few wins short of a Finals berth.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished this conference. We made it all the way to the semifinals. We’ve lost a couple of players along the way, but we still put up a good fight against Ginebra,” he said.
Guiao also acknowledged the challenge of facing a team led by Brownlee, whom he described as one of the greatest imports to play in the league. While Johnson held his own in the matchup, the veteran coach admitted that Ginebra’s star import elevated his game when it mattered most.
“We’re happy about our import, JJ, but Brownlee played a different game. We gave ourselves a chance,” Guiao bared.
As Ginebra moves on to face defending champion TNT Tropang 5G in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals beginning Wednesday, June 3, Rain or Shine turns its attention to the upcoming Governors’ Cup and the next phase of its roster-building process.
Guiao revealed that the team has already begun evaluating its options for the import position and is working from a “short list” of candidates.
Whether Johnson ultimately returns remains to be seen, but his willingness to come back gives Rain or Shine another important decision to consider as it looks to finally break through and contend for a championship.
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