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Tag: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

  • 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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  • Meralco’s Cliff Hodge responds after Yeng Guiao calls him “dirtiest player in the league”

    Meralco’s Cliff Hodge responds after Yeng Guiao calls him “dirtiest player in the league”

    The Meralco Bolts suffered another setback in their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup campaign after absorbing a narrow defeat to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, August 2. While the final result further dented Meralco’s playoff hopes, the game quickly became overshadowed by a heated on-court collision and the latest chapter in the long-running feud between Cliff Hodge and Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Midway through the third quarter, Hodge and Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum collided during a fast-break sequence that left both players writhing in pain on the hardwood. The physical play immediately drew the attention of officials, teammates, and fans, with both players requiring assistance before eventually getting back on their feet.

     

    The incident reignited Guiao’s long-standing criticism of Hodge, with the veteran tactician delivering another scathing assessment during his postgame press conference. Guiao labeled the Meralco forward as the “dirtiest player in the league,” reviving a rivalry that dates back more than a decade.

     

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    The latest comments added another layer to a relationship that has been marked by controversy over the years. In 2014, Guiao was fined P100,000 by the PBA after referring to Hodge with an offensive slur following a separate on-court incident. Despite that history, Guiao did not hold back in expressing his frustration over Sunday’s collision, once again questioning Hodge’s style of play.

     

    Hodge, however, refused to escalate the situation.

     

    Speaking with reporters after the game, the veteran forward brushed aside Guiao’s remarks, insisting that he harbored no ill feelings toward the outspoken coach.

    “Coach Yeng always hasn’t liked me, so whatever he says, it’s okay,” Hodge said. “I play hard for my team, that’s all I do. Coach Yeng is Yeng. You guys know, everyone knows and the world knows how he is. He likes to say that, I will let him say that. That’s his personality. No hard feelings from me.”

     

    Hodge also explained his side of the play involving Nocum, maintaining that he was simply attempting to make a defensive stop rather than initiate unnecessary contact.

     

    “I saw him coming full speed,” Hodge explained. “I went in to take a charge and at the moment I was going to take a charge, he sidestepped. He sidestepped right into my knee and then he dished it, so then we both went down.”

     

    The collision sparked plenty of discussion among fans and observers on social media, with opinions divided over whether the contact was an unfortunate basketball play or another example of Hodge’s trademark physicality. Throughout his PBA career, the former Best Import has built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest and most relentless defenders, often drawing both praise for his hustle and criticism for his aggressive approach.

     

    For Meralco, however, the postgame controversy does little to ease the team’s growing concerns on the court.

     

    The Bolts dropped to 2-4 in Group B, leaving them at the bottom of the standings and facing increasing pressure as the elimination round enters its crucial stretch. With every remaining game carrying significant playoff implications, Meralco can no longer afford many more setbacks if it hopes to secure a place in the next phase of the tournament.

     

    Head coach Luigi Trillo and the Bolts will now turn their attention to regrouping ahead of another stern test. Meralco is set to return to action on Friday, August 7, when it faces the Magnolia Hotshots at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in a matchup that could prove pivotal in its bid to revive its Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    As for Rain or Shine, the victory not only strengthened its position in the standings but also highlighted the team’s resilience in a tightly contested battle. Yet despite the important win, much of the postgame conversation centered on the renewed war of words between Guiao and Hodge—a rivalry that, more than a decade later, continues to generate headlines whenever their paths cross.

     

     

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  • Andrei Caracut keeps his focus on winning as Rain or Shine’s playoff push takes priority over contract talks 

    Andrei Caracut keeps his focus on winning as Rain or Shine’s playoff push takes priority over contract talks 

    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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    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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  • Governors’ Cup imports face defining stretch as Magnolia, Ginebra chase much-needed momentum 

    Governors’ Cup imports face defining stretch as Magnolia, Ginebra chase much-needed momentum 

    The spotlight may fall on the imports Friday night, but for Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra, winning will depend on far more than foreign firepower.

     

    As the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup heads to the SM Mall of Asia Arena, two of the league’s most popular franchises enter pivotal matchups searching for consistency after uneven starts to the conference.

     

    Magnolia opens the twin bill against Rain or Shine, while Barangay Ginebra renews its rivalry with Meralco in the featured showdown.

     

    For the Hotshots, head coach LA Tenorio believes import KJ Buffen doesn’t have to carry the burden alone.

     

    Magnolia finally snapped its 0-2 start by defeating Meralco, 112-98, behind another productive outing from Buffen, who finished with 26 points. But what pleased Tenorio even more was how the locals took over in the second half, allowing Buffen to focus on rebounding, defense, and making winning plays.

     

    That balanced attack is exactly what Tenorio wants moving forward.

     

    Having spent more than a decade alongside Justin Brownlee during Ginebra’s dynasty, Tenorio knows even the league’s greatest imports relied heavily on their teammates.

     

    “As good as Justin Brownlee is… I’ve been with him for so many years, the support of the locals talaga ang naging success nu’ng run namin na iyon. He’s really good, but I was telling them Justin is good because of the support of the locals also,” narrated Tenorio.

     

    Rather than expecting Buffen to replicate Brownlee’s accomplishments, the Magnolia mentor has been impressed by the import’s willingness to grow with the team.

     

    “Ang maganda rin kasi sa kanya he’s learning also and at the same time na buong team natututo dahil sa mga bata kong mga players,” the coach said.

     

    “But he’s been really working hard with the team, he listens to the locals. I think ‘yun ‘yung importante, very good attitude towards the game and he accepts ‘yung mga mistakes. So I think ‘yun ‘yung importante and for me that’s what we need in this team.

     

    “He’s not a leader per se, but by doing that parang ni-li-lead niya rin ‘yung team namin, eh.”

     

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    Rain or Shine, meanwhile, arrives with momentum after consecutive victories over Phoenix Super LPG and Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The Elasto Painters have rebounded from an 0-2 start, and head coach Yeng Guiao credits the team’s renewed commitment on the defensive end.

     

    “I think it’s a wakeup call. After that we’ve been playing better defense saka better rebounding,” Guiao pointed out.

     

    “Hindi ako worried about our offense, eh. I think we’ve scored more than 100 points every game. So it’s really just playing good defense, rebounding. When we get our rebounds, we’re able to run.

    “So itong mga bata, nag-focus lang sila doon sa mga bagay na dapat naming gawin kaya siguro nakabawi kami.”

     

    The second game presents another interesting contrast.

     

    Ginebra remains without injured resident import Justin Brownlee, leaving Riley Grigsby to continue filling one of the biggest shoes in the league.

     

    Grigsby has delivered respectable numbers since arriving, but the Gin Kings have struggled to find the rhythm that made them Commissioner’s Cup champions earlier this season. They have alternated between wins and losses through their first three games while also missing Scottie Thompson.

     

    Across the floor will be a Meralco side equally desperate to establish consistency.

     

    The Bolts have split their first four games despite solid performances from import Antonio Hester, making Friday’s rivalry clash another critical opportunity to gain ground in Group B.

     

    With Phoenix sitting atop the standings at 4-1 and the race for the coveted Top Four tightening by the week, every victory now carries added significance.

     

    For Magnolia and Ginebra, Friday is more than another stop on the schedule.

     

    It is a chance to prove that success in the Governors’ Cup isn’t determined by imports alone—but by how well the entire roster rises around them.

     

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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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  • Rain or Shine thriving without Leonard Santillan, but forward eager to rejoin in October 

    Rain or Shine thriving without Leonard Santillan, but forward eager to rejoin in October 

    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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    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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  • Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    The struggles of reigning Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the 2026 Governors’ Cup deepened on Sunday night after another disappointing performance saw them fall to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-110, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The defeat marked another setback for the league powerhouse, which has yet to find its rhythm early in the conference. After entering the Governors’ Cup with championship expectations, Barangay Ginebra has instead found itself searching for consistency, now sitting at 1-2 in the standings.

     

    Rain or Shine controlled much of the contest behind standout performances from Aaron Fuller and Caelan Tiongson. Fuller led all scorers with 37 points, while Tiongson added 21 points to help the Elasto Painters secure a statement victory against one of the PBA’s most decorated franchises.

     

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    For Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, the loss was particularly frustrating—not because of execution alone, but because of what he felt was a lack of effort and intensity from his players.

     

    Cone expressed his disappointment during the postgame press conference, saying his team was simply outworked by Rain or Shine in every aspect of the game.

     

    “I’m disappointed with our effort tonight. Really, really, really poor effort. It was the worst we have had in a long time. Rain or Shine outhustled us in all departments tonight, and they had a greater sense of urgency,” Cone said.

    The numbers reflected Cone’s concerns. Barangay Ginebra struggled with ball security throughout the game, committing 21 turnovers, while also losing the rebounding battle, 46-37. The Gin Kings were also dominated inside, getting outscored in the paint, 52-22, as Rain or Shine consistently found ways to attack their defense.

     

    Beyond the statistics, Cone stressed that the bigger issue was the team’s inability to match the hunger and intensity displayed by the Elasto Painters.

     

    The veteran tactician also acknowledged that a possible championship hangover may have contributed to Barangay Ginebra’s slow start. Coming off another title run, Cone admitted that maintaining the same level of focus and motivation can sometimes become a challenge for teams that have recently reached the top.

     

    “Sometimes, coming off a championship, it’s tough to get guys going. Somehow, I’m gonna have to light a fire under our players, especially our key guys,” Cone said.

     

    Despite the team’s early struggles, Cone remained confident that Barangay Ginebra can turn things around. He pointed to the squad’s history of overcoming adversity and believes the players will eventually rediscover the level of commitment needed to compete for another championship.

     

    The coach also defended new import Riley Grigsby, who has carried much of the offensive responsibility early in the conference. While acknowledging Grigsby’s contributions, Cone emphasized that the rest of the lineup must provide more support if the Gin Kings want to remain in the title race.

     

    “Riley’s doing enough for us to win, but everybody else needs to contribute at this point. They will probably be more on the horizon at this point, but eventually, we will figure it out. Generally, we always do, but again, it’s like pulling teeth trying to get our guys focused and locked in on what we do and to play hard,” Cone said.

     

    With the Governors’ Cup still in its early stages, Barangay Ginebra has plenty of time to recover, but Cone knows improvements must come quickly as the competition continues to intensify.

     

    The Gin Kings will look to end their slump and return to the win column when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, July 31, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

     

     

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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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  • Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    For Beau Belga, Rain or Shine’s recent trade of Gian Mamuyac was more than just another roster move—it meant saying goodbye to someone he had come to treat like family.

     

    Having spent four seasons together with the Elasto Painters, Belga admitted that Mamuyac’s departure to Phoenix Super LPG left an emotional void inside the team, even if he understands that trades are simply part of life in the PBA.

     

    “Malalim pinagsamahan namin,” the veteran forward said. “That kid is very close sa akin.”

    The trade sent Mamuyac, along with a Season 53 second-round pick, to the Fuel Masters in exchange for Phoenix’s first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    Just days later, the two sides met for the first time since the deal, with Rain or Shine coming away with a 105-98 victory over Phoenix. While the game marked Mamuyac’s first matchup against the franchise that drafted him, it also became a reunion with teammates who had shared the court—and the locker room—with him for years.

     

    Before tip-off, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao even joked that Belga had requested to be on the floor whenever Mamuyac checked into the game, just to match up against his former teammate.

     

    The veteran, however, never got that opportunity after remaining on the bench throughout the contest.

     

    Instead, Belga settled for another kind of interaction—one that reflected the friendship they had built long before the trade became official.

     

    He revealed that, looking back, he had unknowingly been teasing Mamuyac during practices in the days leading up to the deal.

     

    “Binibiro ko nga siya the past few days before he got traded. Parang out of nowhere, bigla ko na lang kinakanti. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya pala sinasaktan na kita kasi mate-trade ka na.’ ‘Yun ang biro ko sa kanya. Sabi niya, ‘Oo nga, bakit mo ako sinasaktan nung mga nakaraang araw,’” Belga said.

     

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    Even after the final buzzer, the playful relationship remained unchanged.

     

    Belga was seen jokingly throwing a knee toward Mamuyac before pulling him toward the Rain or Shine bench, drawing laughs from those nearby and showing that while uniforms may change, friendships do not.

     

    “I’m really close to everybody in this team,” Belga said. “Kumbaga masakit na mawalan ka ng teammate na close sayo but that’s how life is sa PBA.”

     

    Belga knows that reality better than most.

     

    Before finding a long-term home with Rain or Shine, the 39-year-old went through multiple trades himself. Those experiences helped him understand that player movement is part of the business, even when emotions are involved.

     

    Rather than dwelling on Mamuyac’s exit, Belga chose to remember everything the former team captain brought to the franchise, particularly the leadership he displayed during his four-year stay.

     

    “Maganda pinagsamahan namin ni Gian. Nothing to be like sasama ang loob. Magkasama kami matagal. Kami nag-draft sa kanya. Walang masamang tinapay. And that’s how life is sa PBA.”

    “Eh ako, bago ako nag-settle sa Rain or Shine, tatlong beses ako na-trade. Walang masamang tinapay sa kanya,” Belga said.

     

    For Belga, the trade may have ended their partnership as teammates, but it did nothing to change the respect and friendship they built over the years.

     

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  • Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac’s first game against his former team ended in disappointment as the Phoenix Fuel Masters absorbed their first loss of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, falling 105-98 to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Tuesday, July 21.


    Facing the franchise he represented for the past four seasons, Mamuyac logged 21 minutes and finished with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists. While the 27-year-old showed flashes of his trademark energy and versatility, his efforts were not enough to prevent Phoenix from suffering its first setback of the conference against a Rain or Shine squad that executed more efficiently down the stretch.

     

     

    Despite the emotional nature of the matchup, Mamuyac remained composed after the game, acknowledging that the Elasto Painters simply played the better brand of basketball on the night.

               

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    “Of course, it’s a different feeling because I have been with them for the last four years. They were the better team. Hopefully we will be better the next time we face them,” Mamuyac said.

     

     

    The contest marked Mamuyac’s first meeting with Rain or Shine since being traded to Phoenix just days earlier after contract negotiations between the two sides failed to produce a new agreement. The move ended a four-year stint with the Elasto Painters, where he established himself as one of the team’s most dependable two-way guards and became a key contributor under veteran head coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Although he now wears Phoenix colors, Mamuyac made it clear that his respect and appreciation for his former organization remain unchanged. Before tip-off, he took time to approach Guiao, exchanging greetings and wishing his longtime mentor well in a gesture that reflected the strong relationship they built throughout his stay with the franchise.


    “Off the court, we obviously have a good relationship. When I went to coach Yeng, I wished him good luck and blessed him to show my respect and he smiled back. And during the game, I can hear Kuya Beau shout something. But off the court, we have a good relationship,” he added.


    Those friendships, however, were put on hold once the opening whistle sounded. Mamuyac competed with the same intensity that characterized his years with Rain or Shine, but the Elasto Painters ultimately had enough firepower to fend off Phoenix and hand the Fuel Masters their first defeat of the conference.


    For Phoenix, the loss serves as an early test after a promising start to its Governors’ Cup campaign. With Mamuyac still adjusting to a new system and building chemistry with his teammates, the Fuel Masters remain optimistic that their performances will improve as the tournament progresses.


    Mamuyac echoed that optimism, expressing confidence that Phoenix will be in a stronger position should the two teams meet again later in the conference.

     

     

    The Fuel Masters will look to bounce back and return to the win column when they take on the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday, July 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Rain or Shine aims to build on the momentum generated by its victory over one of the conference’s early contenders.

     

     

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