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Tag: Adrian Nocum

  • Adrian Nocum breathes sigh of relief after injury scare after Cliff Hodge collision 

    Adrian Nocum breathes sigh of relief after injury scare after Cliff Hodge collision 

    Rain or Shine escaped with another victory on Sunday, but for a few anxious moments, the result became secondary to the condition of one of its hottest players.

     

    Adrian Nocum sent a scare through the Elasto Painters after collapsing to the floor following a violent knee-to-knee collision with Meralco veteran Cliff Hodge midway through the third quarter of their 85-83 triumph at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    As Nocum remained on the hardwood clutching his leg, concerns immediately grew that Rain or Shine could lose one of its biggest offensive weapons just as the team has found its rhythm in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Fortunately for the Elasto Painters, the injury turned out to be less serious than initially feared.

    “Talagang solid talaga, eh. Yung tuhod niya tumama dito sa hita ko. Uh, sobrang sakit! Ramdam na ramdam ko ‘yung tama,” Nocum told reporters after their victory.

     

    The collision happened with 4:06 left in the third period while Rain or Shine held a slim 66-63 advantage.

     

    Driving aggressively toward the basket, Nocum released the ball before his knee crashed into Hodge’s, sending both players sprawling to the floor in visible pain. Officials later reviewed the sequence and assessed Hodge an unsportsmanlike foul.

     

    When asked whether he believed the contact was intentional, Nocum stopped short of making an accusation but acknowledged Hodge’s physical reputation.

     

    “Hindi ko alam. Pero siyempre knowing Cliff Hodge. Kilala naman natin si Cliff Hodge. So, kasama naman ‘yun,” the Rain or Shine guard said.

     

    More than the pain itself, it was the uncertainty that worried Nocum.

     

    Unable to immediately get back on his feet, the 26-year-old admitted his first thoughts were about whether he had suffered a major injury.

     

    “Oo, kinabahan ako sobra. Kasi talagang nung pagtama niya sa akin, talagang ramdam na ramdam ko ‘yung sakit eh. Alam mo ‘yun, hindi ko siya magalaw. Kasi pagtayo ko, nailakad ko naman. Kaya, sabi ko, okay naman,” Nocum explained.

     

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    Instead of heading to the locker room for good, Nocum returned to the game and finished with six points and eight assists in more than 30 minutes, choosing to contribute as a facilitator after struggling to find his scoring touch.

     

    “Hindi naman [naapektuhan], medyo maalat lang talaga. Kaya bumawi na lang ako sa ibang bagay na pwedeng maitulong sa team,” he said.

     

    His ability to finish the contest also eased concerns that the injury could sideline him moving forward.

     

    Although soreness remains a possibility once the adrenaline wears off, Nocum said there are currently no plans for further medical examinations.

     

    “Uminom kasi ako ng gamot, eh. Siguro, medyo ano pa, okay pa. Problema ko na ito, bukas pagising ko. Baka masakit ito pag bukas o maga,” he shared.

     

    “Wala naman [MRI]. Kasi nailaro ko pa. Mukhang okay naman siya. Talagang solid lang talaga ‘yung pagka-tama niya. Talagang ramdam na ramdam ko. Pero, goods naman,” Nocum said.

    The encouraging update comes at an important time for Rain or Shine.

     

    The Elasto Painters have won four straight games to climb into contention in Group B, with Nocum playing arguably the best basketball of his PBA career following Gian Mamuyac’s departure.

     

    Rain or Shine will now hope its rising star wakes up feeling just as confident as he sounded after the game when the team resumes its campaign against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday.

     

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  • Adrian Nocum’s Gilas dream moves closer after earning spot in Asian Games long list 

    Adrian Nocum’s Gilas dream moves closer after earning spot in Asian Games long list 

    For years, Adrian Nocum’s rise has been fueled by one thing—proving he belongs.

     

    Now, that journey has brought him to the doorstep of Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    The Rain or Shine guard has been included in the national team’s long list for the 20th Asian Games in Japan this September, placing him one step closer to wearing the Philippine jersey for the first time.

     

    While a final roster spot remains far from guaranteed, the recognition alone is another milestone in what has been a breakout stretch for the 26-year-old playmaker.

     

    “Siyempre, masarap sa feeling,” Nocum told reporters after Rain or Shine’s thrilling 85-83 victory over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The news came directly from someone who knows both worlds well.

     

    Rain or Shine lead assistant coach Caloy Garcia, who also serves as part of the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff, personally informed Nocum and newly appointed Elasto Painters captain Caelan Tiongson that they had been included among the national team’s pool of candidates.

     

    “Kinausap kami ni Coach Caloy Garcia, kasama kami raw. Parang sinama lang kami sa list, kaming dalawa ni Caelan Tiongson,” he shared.

     

    For Nocum, the call-up reflects months of consistent growth.

     

    Following Gian Mamuyac’s departure, the former Mapua standout has embraced a larger role, evolving from an energy guard into one of Rain or Shine’s primary offensive creators.

    The numbers tell the story.

     

    Through the Governors’ Cup, Nocum is averaging 17.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds while helping power the Elasto Painters’ surge in the standings.

     

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    His biggest statement came just days earlier when he erupted for a career-high 31 points, including the game-winning layup with 5.6 seconds left, to lift Rain or Shine past Magnolia, 98-97.

     

    Even with those performances, Nocum admits making the Gilas conversation still feels surreal.

     

    “Sobrang blessed. Sobrang daming magagaling dito sa PBA, and mas talented, mas malaki, alam mo ‘yun? Pero naisama tayo,” he said.

     

    The Tondo native has steadily earned respect around the league, including praise from former Gilas guard Paul Lee, while his recent performances have sparked growing calls from fans for him to receive a national team opportunity.

     

    Now, with his name officially part of the Asian Games pool, those calls are no longer just wishful thinking.

     

    Whether he ultimately cracks Tim Cone’s final lineup remains to be seen, but Nocum is embracing the opportunity with the same mindset that fueled his climb from collegiate star to one of the PBA’s fastest-rising guards.

     

    “Alam naman natin na ang daming magagaling dito sa PBA na mas matagal pa sa atin, pero nasama tayo sa list. Malaking bagay ‘yun,” he said.

     

    “At kung mabibigyan naman ng chance, subukan natin. Banat!”

     

     

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  • Adrian Nocum shines as Rain or Shine’s new floor leader, bags Player of the Week

    Adrian Nocum shines as Rain or Shine’s new floor leader, bags Player of the Week

    Adrian Nocum’s expanded responsibilities have quickly translated into one of the biggest individual honors of his young PBA career.

     

    The Rain or Shine guard was named the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of July 21 to 26 after playing a key role in the Elasto Painters’ turnaround following the mid-conference trade of Gian Mamuyac.

     

    Rather than looking outside the roster to fill the void left by Mamuyac, Rain or Shine entrusted more of the playmaking duties to Nocum—and the young guard has delivered.

     

    Over his last two games, Nocum averaged 15.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, emerging as both a reliable scorer and the team’s primary facilitator.

     

    His development at point guard was most evident against Barangay Ginebra, where he dished out a career-high 10 assists while adding 13 points to steer the Elasto Painters’ offense.

     

    Nocum followed that performance with another all-around effort against Phoenix Super LPG, producing 18 points and eight assists in Rain or Shine’s first game since Mamuyac’s departure.

     

    His improved decision-making has impressed head coach Yeng Guiao, who admitted the coaching staff deliberately expanded Nocum’s role as the team’s floor general.

     

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    “We actually, on purpose, try him a lot more minutes at the point,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “His decision-making is getting better, more matured, and he is also, partly, nagpapakita din siya ng leadership.”

     

    The move has paid immediate dividends.

     

    Behind Nocum’s steady play, Rain or Shine has bounced back to an even 2-2 record, joining Blackwater and Meralco in a tie for second place in Group B as the Elasto Painters continue to find their rhythm in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The weekly recognition also highlighted Nocum’s emergence as one of the conference’s early breakout performers. He earned the honor over fellow standouts Caelan Tiongson of Rain or Shine, Schonny Winston of Converge, and Juami Tiongson of Terrafirma.

     

    For Rain or Shine, Nocum’s rise has become more than just a bright spot. As the Elasto Painters adjust to life after Mamuyac, the young guard has shown he is capable of taking on a larger leadership role—one that is already producing victories and now, his first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao credits Adrian Nocum’s maturity after career night lifts Rain or Shine over Ginebra 

    Yeng Guiao credits Adrian Nocum’s maturity after career night lifts Rain or Shine over Ginebra 

    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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    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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  • PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    Momentum can be a dangerous thing—especially when it’s on your side. Right now, no team is riding it better than the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and no player embodies that surge more than Adrian Nocum.

     

    Fresh off earning his second Player of the Week citation this conference, Nocum now finds himself at the forefront of Rain or Shine’s bid for a seventh straight win when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    But this isn’t just about extending a streak—it’s about sustaining a standard.

     

    At 6-0, the Elasto Painters have turned consistency into identity, stacking wins through depth, pace, and a system that thrives regardless of who takes the spotlight. Nocum just happens to be the one shining brightest at the moment.

     

    During the past week, the high-flying guard delivered when it mattered most—dropping a conference-high 21 points against San Miguel Beer, including 10 in the fourth quarter punctuated by two clutch triples that sealed the win. He followed that up with a timely performance during Gabe Norwood’s jersey retirement night, helping Rain or Shine maintain control en route to another victory.

     

    His overall numbers—16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—underscore his growing role as the team’s local anchor, blending energy plays with timely scoring.

     

    Still, for coach Yeng Guiao, the focus remains far from individual accolades. “Subukan namin kung hanggang saan umabot ang swerte namin,” said Guiao, downplaying the streak that has seen his squad take down powerhouse teams and even notch a 56-point demolition of Blackwater.

     

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    That mindset will be tested against a Terrafirma side eager to reset its campaign.

     

    The Dyip opened the conference with promise, racing to a 3-0 start before stumbling into a three-game skid that has exposed gaps in both execution and consistency.

     

     Losses to Phoenix, Magnolia, and TNT have cooled what was once a red-hot run, leaving them searching for answers midway through the eliminations. And yet, Guiao isn’t buying into the narrative of a struggling opponent.

     

    “We don’t want to underestimate them. They’re very dangerous. We want to come in mentally prepared,” he said.

     

    The matchup presents a contrast in rhythm.Rain or Shine thrives on waves—rotating fresh bodies, pushing tempo, and wearing opponents down over 48 minutes. Terrafirma, on the other hand, is still trying to rediscover the cohesion that fueled its early success.

     

    The import battle adds another layer. Jaylen Johnson continues to sync seamlessly with the Elasto Painters’ system, while Terrafirma’s Mubashar Ali has delivered solid numbers but is still searching for consistent support from the locals.

     

    In many ways, Wednesday’s game is a test of staying power. Can Rain or Shine keep its foot on the gas and move closer to a twice-to-beat incentive? Or will Terrafirma find enough resolve to disrupt the league’s hottest team?

     

    For now, the edge belongs to momentum—and to a Player of the Week who’s helping turn it into something bigger.

     

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  • From semifinal foes to All-Star teammates as RJ Abarrientos, Juan Gomez de Liano face Adrian Nocum-led Juniors

    From semifinal foes to All-Star teammates as RJ Abarrientos, Juan Gomez de Liano face Adrian Nocum-led Juniors

    What the playoffs kept apart, the All-Star Weekend is about to bring together.

     

    After trading blows as opponents in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between Barangay Ginebra and Converge, RJ Abarrientos and Juan Gomez de Liano are set to wear the same colors — if only for a night — as fan-chosen leaders of the Rookies-Sophomores squad in the Season 50 PBA All-Star side event.

     

    The unlikely pairing will take center stage during the March 6–8 festivities in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, where the revived Rookies-Sophomores vs Juniors clash returns as a prelude to the main All-Star Game.

     

    Fan voting made the reunion possible. Abarrientos topped all first- and second-year players with 42,862 votes, edging out Converge big man Justine Baltazar (38,022) and Gomez de Liano (37,802) to headline the youthful lineup. 

     

    On the other side, Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum emerged as the leading vote-getter for the Juniors with 38,710 votes, setting up a marquee showdown between the league’s rising present and its near-future stars.

     

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    The matchup carries a sense of unfinished business for the league. The format was meant to return during last year’s All-Star Weekend in Davao but was shelved at the last moment due to security concerns, with the event falling a week before the mid-term elections. Its last actual appearance dates back to 2019 in Calasiao, Pangasinan, when the Rookies-Sophomores edged the Juniors 141–140 on a dramatic Jvee Mocon putback.

     

    This year’s cast brings no shortage of intrigue. Joining Abarrientos and Gomez de Liano on the Rookies-Sophomores side are Sedrick Barefield (32,246), Jerom Lastimosa (31,208), Caelan Tiongson (30,840), Kai Ballungay (28,466), CJ Cansino (28,094), Sonny Estil (24,026), Dalph Panopio (23,136), Mark Nonoy (20,498), and Felix Lemetti (19,890) — a mix of creators, slashers, and athletic forwards.

     

    Standing in their way is a Juniors squad stacked with familiar names and rising stars. Alongside Nocum are Ricci Rivero (38,020), Holt (35,584), Zavier Lucero (35,120), Brandon Bates (28,008), Ralph Cu (27,806), Christian David (25,852), Kim Aurin (25,142), Kenneth Tuffin (25,576), Fran Yu (23,602), Deschon Winston (21,412), and Cade Flores (20,370).

     

    For Abarrientos and Gomez de Liano, the All-Star stage offers something rare — a chance to turn rivalry into rhythm, if only temporarily. And for fans, it’s exactly the kind of crossover the weekend was made for.

     

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  • NCAA alumni PBA stars speak out on former San Beda player Janti Miller’s ‘I refuse to play in the NCAA’ remark 

    NCAA alumni PBA stars speak out on former San Beda player Janti Miller’s ‘I refuse to play in the NCAA’ remark 

    Janti Miller’s decision to walk away from San Beda — and his pointed remarks about no longer wanting to play in the NCAA — didn’t just mark the end of a collegiate chapter. It struck a nerve among those who once walked the same path and later turned it into PBA success.

     

    For a group of former NCAA standouts now thriving in the pros, Miller’s farewell message felt less like a personal choice and more like a dismissal of a league that shaped their careers. Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, Titan Ultra’s Calvin Abueva, and Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum were among those who openly reacted, not with anger, but with disbelief.

     

    Abueva, a former San Sebastian MVP who built his reputation on relentless energy and toughness, was blunt in his assessment.

     

    “Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isyu nya sa NCAA, pero sana maisip nya, halos lahat ng nage-excel sa PBA ngayon galing sa NCAA,” he said.

     

    Numbers, according to Abueva, back that belief. After the Philippine Cup eliminations, NCAA products dominate much of the PBA’s major statistical leaderboards, with five of eight categories topped by former players from the league. 

     

    Another San Sebastian alumnus, Blackwater’s RK Ilagan, leads the steals race at 2.5 per game, while UAAP representation among the leaders is limited to Zavier Lucero of UP, who tops the blocks category.

     

    For Abueva, the NCAA’s value has never been about flash or popularity.

     

    “‘Yun kasi ang kagandahan sa NCAA, sabi nga nila pag may pangalan ka, sa UAAP ka. Pero pag may gusto kang patunayan, sa NCAA ka. At ganun nga ang nangyayari sa NCAA, lahat gustong lumaro ng todo,” he said.

     

    “Puso at laro ang nilalabas ng mga players sa NCAA. Hindi pagwapuhan o palakihan ng allowance.”

     

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    Nocum echoed that sentiment, admitting the statement left him disappointed, especially given Miller’s ties to San Beda, the league’s most decorated program.

     

    “Syempre, nasaktan ako kasi ang tanong ko bakit ayaw n’ya sa NCAA? Ano ang meron sa UAAP at bakit mas gusto nya run, to think na nasa San Beda pa siya, ang premier team sa NCAA?” said the former Mapua standout.

     

    To Nocum, the issue went beyond leagues and labels.

     

    “Basta ako nalungkot lang ako kasi hindi naman dapat isyu ‘yung liga na lalaruan mo basta maipakita mo yung value mo na dalhin sa championship yung school na nirerepresent mo.Nakakalungkot lang kasi talaga yung statement,” added the high-flying Elasto Painters guard.

     

    Thompson, a former NCAA MVP and now one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players, took a more measured stance, saying he’s trying to understand Miller’s side while still standing firmly behind the league that molded him.

     

    “Baka naman may rason siya. Pero kung competition ang reason nya dahil sinabi n’yang ayaw n’ya sa NCAA, siguro naman the alumni of the league can speak for themselves. Marmaing produkto ang NCAA na naging superstars sa PBA,” said the Perpetual Help product.

     

    “Dun pa lang, proud na kaming mga dating taga NC na sabihing made ang liga when it comes to producing the best athletes,” he added.

     

    As the debate continues, one thing is clear: for those who survived the grind of the NCAA and carried it into the professional ranks, the league remains less about glamour — and more about proving, night after night, that toughness still travels.

     

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  • Chris Newsome sees an MVP path for Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum

    Chris Newsome sees an MVP path for Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum

    What stood out to Chris Newsome in Meralco’s hard-fought quarterfinal clash against Rain or Shine wasn’t just the final score—it was the presence of a young guard who played with no hesitation, no fear, and plenty of promise.

     

    Adrian Nocum’s emergence in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup did not go unnoticed, especially by one of the league’s most respected backcourt leaders. 

     

    After seeing the Mapua product up close in their knockout encounter, Newsome offered rare praise that went beyond surface-level admiration, pointing instead to Nocum’s long-term potential as a franchise cornerstone.

     

    “He’s definitely a stud, man. He’s a hooper for sure,” Newsome said. “I think one thing that Adrian is going to have to figure out is how to lead his team, and that’s just going to come with a matter of time. Talent-wise, the basketball skill, everything is all there already.”

     

    Nocum backed up those words with production throughout the conference. The Rain or Shine guard averaged 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, while delivering his best outing when it mattered most—dropping a season-high 29 points in a do-or-die game against Meralco on December 29. 

     

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    Even in defeat, his willingness to take responsibility and push the pace reflected a player eager to shoulder a bigger role.

     

    For Newsome, the next phase of Nocum’s growth has less to do with scoring and more to do with command. Leadership, he believes, is the final piece that could elevate the young guard from rising star to elite status in the league.

     

    “Once he becomes a really good leader for his team, he’s going to be unstoppable and can potentially be an MVP someday,” Newsome said.

     

    Coming from a veteran who has navigated pressure-packed playoff battles and international stages, the endorsement carries weight. 

     

    And if Nocum continues to marry his scoring instincts with leadership maturity, Rain or Shine may already have its future leader in place.

     

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