Rain or Shine has managed to steady its campaign even without one of its key frontcourt players, giving injured forward Leonard Santillan plenty of reasons to be optimistic as he works toward an October return.
The Elasto Painters stumbled out of the gate in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with back-to-back losses, but they have quickly regained their footing by stringing together consecutive victories.
Their latest statement came in a convincing 110-99 victory over Barangay Ginebra, where import Aaron Fuller erupted for 37 points while Caelan Tiongson chipped in 21 to fuel the team’s resurgence.
The turnaround has lifted Rain or Shine to fourth place in the Group B standings with a 2-2 win-loss record. The Elasto Painters will look to continue their climb when they face the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, July 31, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Watching from the sidelines, Santillan has been encouraged by how Rain or Shine has responded despite missing one of its regular contributors.
“Mga two months pa ito. Sana makabalik na ako agad para makatulong sa team,” Santillan said.
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PAGALING, SANTI
Leonard Santillan is sidelined indefinitely after fracturing his right hand during a Rain or Shine practice weeks before the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
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He has yet to make his conference debut as he continues his rehabilitation. According to Santillan, the team’s medical staff is targeting his return after the league’s scheduled break.
“Ang sabi naman, October. October yung target. Sakto pagbalik sa break ng PBA,” the 6-foot-5 forward said.
While eager to get back on the floor, Santillan has enjoyed seeing his teammates fill the void in the frontcourt. He singled out rookie Christian Manaytay for making the most of his opportunities while also recognizing the work being put in by Luis Villegas and veteran Beau Belga.
“Masaya naman kasi ganun naman talaga yung tinatrabaho nila. Nag-e-extra work sila,” he said.
“Lalo na yung rookie namin na si Christian. Sobrang sipag ng batang ‘yun. Sila Luis, Kuya Beau, sobrang sipag din. Natutuwa ako na maganda yung pinapakita ng team,” Santillan added.
Rain or Shine’s recent run has eased the pressure of Santillan’s absence, with the Elasto Painters showing improved depth and production in the frontcourt. The emergence of younger players has helped stabilize the rotation, allowing the team to stay competitive while waiting for one of its key forwards to regain full fitness.
For now, Santillan remains focused on completing his recovery, with October set as the target for his return. If Rain or Shine can maintain its winning form beginning with its showdown to its upcoming matches, the Elasto Painters could receive a timely boost when the versatile forward is finally cleared to rejoin the lineup.
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