As Rain or Shine continues its climb in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup, Andrei Caracut has made one thing clear: his attention is fixed on helping the Elasto Painters win games, not on the uncertainty surrounding his contract.
The veteran guard is among the Rain or Shine players whose deals are being discussed during the conference, but with the team right in the middle of the playoff race, Caracut believes there is little value in letting negotiations affect his performance.
“Since ongoing yung season, focus na rin muna ako sa laro,” Caracut said.
Rain or Shine improved to a 2-2 record after a convincing 110-99 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, creating a tie with the Meralco Bolts in Group B.
The win also strengthened the Elasto Painters’ bid to move higher in the standings as they prepare for another crucial assignment against the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Although Caracut admitted that contract matters occasionally cross his mind, he has chosen to leave the process in the hands of his representatives while concentrating on basketball.
“Siyempre, mapapaisip ka rin. Pero nung nag-start na yung season, sabi ko, ipapaubaya ko na kay boss Danny,” he said.
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Watch: Andrei Caracut playfully crashed Beau Belga’s media interview just to ask his former Rain or Shine teammate, Gian Mamuyac, about the unsportsmanlike foul. It was all laughs between the two as the lighthearted moment drew smiles l Via Zeus Valdez pic.twitter.com/HHkoA3SeHp
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Head coach Yeng Guiao previously echoed that patience is the organization’s approach regarding Caracut’s future.
“We’re not in an emergency or urgent situation when it comes to Andrei,” Guiao said. “His contract was auto-extended until the end of the conference so we have plenty of time to discuss a new deal.”
While the negotiations can wait, Caracut’s value to Rain or Shine has already been established. Since the 2024 Philippine Cup, he has played a key role in helping the franchise reach five semifinal appearances in its last six conferences.
Beyond his steady play, the former De La Salle University standout has also built a strong following off the court through his social media presence.
Through four games this conference, Caracut has averaged 3.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, embracing a role that goes beyond scoring as Rain or Shine continues to shuffle its rotation.
This conference has also brought change to the Elasto Painters’ roster. Caracut saw longtime teammate Gian Mamuyac leave the franchise after the latter was acquired by the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Like Caracut, Mamuyac had his contract automatically extended before eventually moving on.
The departure was difficult for Caracut, who spent four years sharing Rain or Shine’s backcourt with his former collegiate rival.
“Si Gian, four years din kaming nagsama dito sa Rain or Shine. Nakakalungkot,” the 30-year-old guard said.
Still, Caracut understands that player movement is part of professional basketball, even if it is never easy to accept. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his own future, he made it known where he hopes to remain.
“Siyempre, ako, willing naman akong mag-stay. Napamahal na ako dito,” he said.
For now, those conversations are taking a back seat. With Rain or Shine looking to build on its 2-2 start and chase a higher position in Group B, Caracut’s immediate goal is to contribute on the floor and help the Elasto Painters continue their winning momentum.
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