Rain or Shine is making continuity a priority ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, rewarding one of its biggest success stories after handing Jhonard Clarito a fresh three-year contract extension.
The new deal keeps one of the Elasto Painters’ most dependable players in the franchise for the foreseeable future, reinforcing the team’s commitment to a core that has transformed Rain or Shine into a legitimate title contender over the past two conferences.
Clarito, who was accompanied by his longtime agent Danny Espiritu during the signing, inked the extension with team governor Atty. Mert Mondragon representing the organization.
The agreement is another vote of confidence for a player who entered the league with little fanfare after Rain or Shine selected him 17th overall in the second round of the 2022 PBA Draft out of De Ocampo College.
Since then, the 30-year-old has steadily carved out a major role under coach Yeng Guiao. From being a reserve fighting for minutes, Clarito has developed into one of the team’s most trusted two-way players, providing hustle, defensive versatility and timely offense whenever called upon.
His impact became even more evident during the recently concluded Commissioner’s Cup, where he averaged 10.4 points, 7.05 rebounds and 2.16 assists per game.
His consistent production helped Rain or Shine finish atop the elimination round before knocking out powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals and advancing to the semifinals.
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Although the Elasto Painters eventually bowed to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra in an emotional six-game semifinal showdown, the conference further proved that Rain or Shine’s young nucleus is capable of competing with the league’s elite.
Clarito’s emergence was among the biggest reasons behind that breakthrough campaign.
The franchise’s latest move also reflects its philosophy of rewarding players who have grown within the system.
Clarito is now the third Elasto Painter to receive a contract extension before the season-ending Governors’ Cup, joining injured rookie Jun Roque and guard Anton Asistio, who both signed one-year renewals.
Rain or Shine also addressed another key piece of its Governors’ Cup campaign by bringing back familiar reinforcement Aaron Fuller.
The veteran import already knows Guiao’s demanding system and previously played a major role in helping the Elasto Painters make deep playoff runs with his rebounding, toughness and all-around game.
For Clarito, the new contract represents a reward earned through years of perseverance and steady improvement, while for Rain or Shine, it is another important step toward keeping a promising championship window wide open.
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