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Tag: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

  • Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Just days after being traded, Gian Mamuyac finds himself in unfamiliar territory as he prepares to face the only PBA team he had ever known. But with the Phoenix Fuel Masters chasing a fourth straight victory, sentiment will have to take a backseat when they battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Tuesday.

     

    The matchup marks Mamuyac’s first game against the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the 2022 PBA Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s premier two-way guards. After spending four seasons with the Elasto Painters, the Ateneo standout was dealt to Phoenix in exchange for a future first-round pick, ending an era that few saw coming.

     

    While the emotions are inevitable, Mamuyac insists his focus remains on helping Phoenix continue its impressive start to the Governors’ Cup. The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, and the newest addition is eager to contribute to a team that has quickly emerged as one of the early contenders.

     

    “It’s definitely going to be different,” Mamuyac admitted ahead of the reunion, acknowledging that facing former teammates and coaches won’t be easy. Despite the familiarity, he expects no favors from the squad he once called home.

     

    That sentiment is shared by Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who coached Mamuyac throughout his PBA career. Known for his demanding style, Guiao joked that there would be no warm welcome for his former player once the opening tip is tossed. Instead, the veteran mentor promised the same physical, hard-nosed defense that has long defined the Elasto Painters.

     

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    Former teammates have also been quick to remind Mamuyac that friendships will be put on hold for 48 minutes. Some even teased the former team captain about making sure he earns every basket, a sign of the mutual respect built during their years together.

     

    For Phoenix, however, the timing of Mamuyac’s arrival couldn’t be better. The Fuel Masters have looked revitalized under head coach Charles Tiu, combining disciplined defense with balanced offense to race to a 3-0 record. Adding a versatile defender and proven playmaker like Mamuyac only strengthens a roster that has quickly become one of the league’s biggest surprises.

     

    Mamuyac’s familiarity with Rain or Shine’s system could also prove valuable. Having practiced under Guiao for years, he understands the Elasto Painters’ defensive schemes, tendencies, and personnel as well as anyone on the Phoenix roster. Still, he knows that knowledge alone won’t guarantee success against a team that prides itself on preparation and toughness.

     

    Beyond the tactical battle, Tuesday’s contest carries plenty of personal significance. Mamuyac recently posted a heartfelt farewell to Rain or Shine, thanking the organization, coaches, teammates, and fans for believing in him throughout his first four professional seasons. Now, he’ll stand on the opposite bench for the first time, hoping to begin a successful new chapter while honoring the memories he made with his former club.

     

    As Phoenix looks to stay unbeaten and Rain or Shine aims to spoil the Fuel Masters’ momentum, all eyes will be on Mamuyac. For one night, the former Elasto Painter becomes the opponent and one of the biggest storylines of the young PBA Governors’ Cup season.

     

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  • Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    One of the PBA’s longest-running contract standoffs has finally reached its conclusion.

     

    After weeks of uncertainty surrounding Gian Mamuyac’s future, Rain or Shine officially parted ways with the versatile guard, sending him and a Season 53 second-round pick to Phoenix in exchange for the Fuel Masters’ first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    The trade, approved by the PBA on Thursday, closes the chapter on Mamuyac’s four-year tenure with the Elasto Painters—the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the Season 47 Rookie Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s rising two-way guards.

     

    Titan Management Group, which represents Mamuyac, also confirmed the transaction.

     

    Rather than reaching a new agreement, both sides ultimately chose a fresh start after contract negotiations dragged on without a resolution heading into the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Although Rain or Shine retained Mamuyac’s rights through the league’s automatic extension rule for expiring contracts during the season, negotiations remained at a standstill until the trade provided an exit for both parties.

     

    Mamuyac now reunites with fellow Titan Management clients and former Ateneo standouts Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay at Phoenix, giving the Fuel Masters another proven backcourt piece as they continue reshaping their roster.

     

    His departure also marks the end of a productive run in Rain or Shine, where he emerged as one of the franchise’s most dependable young players alongside Adrian Nocum and Andrei Caracut.

     

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    Ironically, Mamuyac’s final appearance in an Elasto Painters uniform came only days before the trade became official. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 131-108 loss to Blackwater, unaware it would be his farewell game with the team.

     

    Even then, the 6-foot-2 guard made it clear that his preference was to remain with the organization he had come to regard as home.

     

    “Iba pa rin talaga yung maglaro para sa mga taong you consider as family. And ganyan kami sa Rain or Shine, close kami lahat diyan. Napamahal na ako sa lahat,” he said.

     

    “I really want to stay and hopefully, may mangyari na sa negotiations.”

     

    Instead, those words became his final public remarks as a Rain or Shine player.

     

    Now wearing Phoenix colors, Mamuyac gets the fresh opportunity both sides ultimately needed, while the Elasto Painters move forward with additional draft capital after bringing an end to one of the offseason’s most closely watched contract disputes.

     

     

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  • Rain or Shine heads into Governors’ Cup with confidence after rout of Macau Giant Pandas 

    Rain or Shine heads into Governors’ Cup with confidence after rout of Macau Giant Pandas 

    Rain or Shine enters the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with momentum on its side after ending its preseason preparations on a high note.


    The Elasto Painters put together an explosive offensive performance on Tuesday, overwhelming the undermanned Macau Giant Pandas, 139-98, in their final tune-up game at Acropolis Gym in Quezon City.


    The victory allowed Rain or Shine to split its two preseason outings after falling to Converge in its first exhibition game last week, giving head coach Yeng Guiao a more encouraging glimpse of where his squad stands just days before the conference opens.


    One of the bright spots was Caelan Tiongson, who knocked down a pair of three-pointers during a decisive run that helped Rain or Shine quickly create separation and maintain control for the rest of the contest.


    While the scoreline was convincing, Guiao believes the preseason results are less important than helping the team regain its rhythm after a lengthy break and integrating returning import Aaron Fuller back into the system.


    “Isa [na talo] sa Converge, natalo kami pero okay naman. I think it’s part of the adjustment period after a long break and getting used to our import Aaron. Converge played a really good game against us.


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    Sa Macau, mukhang hindi pa sila kumpleto at mukhang hindi pa sila nakakapag-practice ng husto. They just got together. But at least, it’s a good way to get out of our regular practice routine and play games,” said Guiao.


    The veteran coach acknowledged that Macau was far from full strength, but he still welcomed the opportunity to face a different opponent before the start of the new conference, using the game as another step in fine-tuning his team’s chemistry.


    Despite missing several players, the Giant Pandas still featured notable contributors led by import De’Vondre Perry, Damian Chong Qui, Ramon Cao, and Kobey Lam.


    Macau head coach Marcus Elliot said the squad remains a work in progress, with the organization still awaiting the arrival and signing of additional players before its official campaign begins.


    Rain or Shine, meanwhile, now shifts its focus to the games that matter. The Elasto Painters open their Governors’ Cup campaign on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, hoping the encouraging finish to their preseason translates into a strong start in the season-ending conference.


    The Giant Pandas won’t have to wait long for another test either, as the guest team opens its own Governors’ Cup schedule against NLEX on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.


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  • PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    The countdown to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup has entered its final stretch, and with every team now unveiling its reinforcement, the race for the season-ending championship is beginning to take shape.

     

    When the conference opens on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, all 13 participating teams—including guest club Macau Giant Pandas—will parade imports who comply with the league’s 6-foot-6 height limit. The field features a familiar blend of proven PBA stars, former NBA players, and first-time reinforcements looking to make an immediate impact.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel


    Leading the returning cast is Justin Brownlee, whose résumé in the league remains unmatched among active imports. The four-time PBA Best Import returns after steering the Gin Kings to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup championship, where they outlasted TNT Tropang 5G in a grueling seven-game Finals series. Brownlee also powered Ginebra to its most recent Governors’ Cup title in 2022, earning his second Best Import award during that campaign.

     

    TNT Tropang 5G

     

    Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT enters the tournament with a different reinforcement as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson continues his recovery. The Tropang 5G have turned to former NBA forward Darius Days, who was originally slated to play for TNT in the 2024 Governors’ Cup before Hollis-Jefferson decided to return. Since then, Days has helped the Illawarra Hawks capture a National Basketball League championship in Australia.

     

    Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

     

    Rain or Shine is banking on continuity by bringing back Aaron Fuller, who guided the Elasto Painters to the semifinals of last season’s Governors’ Cup before eventually bowing to TNT. Fuller returns after his latest stint in Mexico.

     

    NLEX Road Warriors

     

    NLEX will also keep a familiar face in DeQuan Jones, who rejoins the Road Warriors under new head coach Jimmy Alapag. The former Orlando Magic forward first suited up for NLEX midway through last season as Myke Henry’s replacement and now returns to a squad that topped the elimination round of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup before its playoff run ended in the quarterfinals against TNT.

     

    Converge FiberXers

     

    Converge welcomes back one of the league’s most explosive scorers in Jalen Hudson. Returning to the PBA for the first time in three years, Hudson previously played for TNT in the 2023 Governors’ Cup, highlighted by a spectacular 56-point, 12-rebound, four-assist performance against his current team.

     

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    Magnolia Hotshots

     

    Magnolia has signed American forward KJ Buffen, who played collegiate basketball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before building a professional career in Finland, New Zealand, and most recently Indonesia with RANS PIK.

     

    Blackwater Bossing

     

    Blackwater reinforced its roster with Kentrell Barkley, an accomplished import who arrives after winning the Most Valuable Player award in both the Indonesian Basketball League and the Vietnam Basketball Association. Barkley has also captured championships in Vietnam and Taiwan and now joins the Bossing under interim coach Pat Aquino.

     

    Meralco Bolts

     

    Meralco will finally get a full conference with Jordon Varnado, who is already familiar with the Bolts after helping the team reach the quarterfinals of the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia.

     

    San Miguel Beermen

     

    San Miguel acquired George King after his release from Blackwater, bringing back one of the most prolific scorers to have played in the PBA. During last season’s Governors’ Cup, King erupted for a career-high 64 points for the Bossing before continuing his overseas career with stops in Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Taiwan, and Germany.

     

    Terrafirma Dyip

     

    Terrafirma introduces Justin Strings, a Sacramento State product who has played professionally in Canada, Germany, Argentina, and Uruguay.

     

    Phoenix Fuel Masters

     

    Phoenix turns to former NBA swingman BJ Johnson, who previously suited up for the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks before most recently playing for Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia’s VTB United League.

     

    Titan Ultra Giant Risers

     

    Expansion club Titan Ultra Giant Risers has entrusted its campaign to Tirrell Brown, whose professional career has taken him across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

     

    Macau Giant Pandas

     

    Guest team Macau Giant Pandas, formerly known as the Black Knights, will be reinforced by De’Vondre Perry. The Temple University product heads to the PBA after competing in Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Germany, where he last played for SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt.

     

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  • Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    With the PBA Governors’ Cup just around the corner, Rain or Shine is preparing for another title chase while facing uncertainty over one of its most important pieces.


    Negotiations between the Elasto Painters and Andrei Caracut remain unresolved, leaving the future of the veteran guard with the franchise still up in the air.

     

    Caracut’s previous deal expired after Rain or Shine’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign ended in the semifinals, where the Elasto Painters fell in six games to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The contract situation now puts Rain or Shine in a challenging position, with Caracut and fellow 27-year-old Gian Mamuyac both unsigned heading into the season-ending conference.

     

    For the past several conferences, Caracut has been a steady presence in Rain or Shine’s climb as one of the PBA’s most consistent contenders. 

     

    The 30-year-old guard played a major role in helping the franchise reach the semifinals in five of the last six conferences.

     

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    During the recently concluded PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, Caracut averaged 7.22 points, 2.00 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, providing valuable production on both ends of the floor.

     

    His biggest moment came in the playoffs when he exploded for a career-high 29 points, including six three-pointers, to lead Rain or Shine past San Miguel Beer in a 113-104 quarterfinal victory.

     

    Despite his importance to the team, discussions between Caracut’s camp and Rain or Shine have yet to produce a new agreement. Both sides have even opened the possibility of a trade if a deal cannot be finalized.

     

    The situation is a difficult one for the Elasto Painters, who drafted Caracut in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2021 PBA Draft and watched him grow into one of the franchise’s most recognizable players.

     

    Beyond his production on the court, Caracut has also built a strong connection with fans through his popular vlog featuring teammates and close friends, including Leonard Santillan, Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, and utility staff member Eric Nanas.

     

    While Caracut’s future remains uncertain, Rain or Shine has already locked in several pieces for the upcoming Governors’ Cup. 

     

    Teammates Jhonard Clarito, Anton Asistio, and Jun Roque have secured new and extended deals, while import Aaron Fuller is set to return for the conference.

     

    As the new conference approaches, the Elasto Painters now face a crucial decision and that is to secure a deal with one of their key players or risk losing a guard who has become central to their recent resurgence.

     

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  • Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    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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  • Rain or Shine secures Anton Asistio, Jun Roque with contract extensions ahead of Governor’s Cup

    Rain or Shine secures Anton Asistio, Jun Roque with contract extensions ahead of Governor’s Cup

    Rain or Shine has moved to secure two pieces of its roster by handing one-year contract extensions to Anton Asistio and Jun Roque.


    The move underscores the Elasto Painters’ commitment to continuity after a campaign that saw them emerge as one of the league’s biggest surprises before falling short of a Finals appearance.

     

    For Asistio, the new deal serves as recognition of the impact he made during Rain or Shine’s impressive Commissioner’s Cup run. The former Ateneo standout became a valuable contributor as the Elasto Painters opened the conference with seven straight victories, eventually finishing as the No. 3 seed.

     

    Rain or Shine went on to eliminate powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals before pushing eventual champion Barangay Ginebra to a highly emotional six-game semifinal series.

     

    While his numbers may not jump off the page, Asistio provided crucial floor spacing and perimeter shooting throughout the conference. He averaged 5.2 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.4 assists per game, while also emerging as one of the league’s most efficient long-range threats. He ranked third in four-point shooting, converting 41.6 percent of his attempts (5-of-12).

     

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    The streak-shooting guard, selected by Rain or Shine in the second round of the 2020 PBA Draft, formalized his extension during a contract signing attended by team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and witnessed by his agent Marvin Espiritu of Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management.

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine also sent a strong message about its faith in young talent by renewing rookie forward Jun Roque despite his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL.

     

    Roque quickly earned the trust of head coach Yeng Guiao after becoming available during the Governors’ Cup, carving out a role in the team’s rotation and showing flashes of his potential.

    His promising rookie campaign, however, came to an abrupt halt when he suffered an ACL injury in a game against Magnolia.

     

    Before being sidelined, the 6-foot-4 Letran product averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest, numbers that reflected his growing confidence and increasing responsibilities within the squad.

     

    Roque entered the PBA after helping Letran reach the NCAA Season 101 Finals, where the Knights finished runner-up to San Beda. He was one of two first-round selections made by Rain or Shine in the most recent draft, joining Christian Manaytay, who was chosen at No. 10.

     

    By retaining both Asistio and Roque, the Elasto Painters have chosen to reward both production and potential. One extension recognizes a player who contributed to one of the franchise’s strongest conference performances in recent years, while the other reflects the organization’s belief in a young talent whose development was interrupted by injury.

     

    As Rain or Shine prepares for another shot at contention in the Season 50 Governor’s Cup, the franchise is making sure familiar faces remain part of its plans after a semifinal finish that ended at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

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  • Rain or Shine brings back a familiar formula as Aaron Fuller returns for PBA Governor’s Cup 

    Rain or Shine brings back a familiar formula as Aaron Fuller returns for PBA Governor’s Cup 

    In a conference where teams often chase the next big name, Rain or Shine has chosen a different path.


    The Elasto Painters have officially brought back Aaron Fuller as their import for the PBA 50th Season Governor’s Cup, signaling their belief that familiarity and fit can be just as valuable as star power.

     

    Fuller returns after playing a pivotal role in Rain or Shine’s impressive run in the 49th Season Governor’s Cup. 

     

    With the veteran reinforcement leading the charge, the Elasto Painters advanced all the way to the semifinals before eventually bowing to TNT, the team that went on to capture the championship.

     

    His return comes despite the availability of former Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson, who had previously made it clear that he remains open to another PBA stint.

     

    Johnson had said that he didn’t have to search his brain long for an answer to whether or not he has plans to make a PBA comeback.

     

    His most recent campaign with Rain or Shine ended in the Reinforced Conference when Barangay Ginebra closed out their semifinal series. 

     

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    Yet even in defeat, Johnson left appreciative of the support he received, marveling after the series-clinching Game 6 at how much love he had gotten from Filipino basketball fans.

     

    Rain or Shine, however, ultimately decided to stay with a player who already understands the demands of the franchise.

     

    Over the years, Fuller has built a strong résumé in the PBA. Before his latest run with the Elasto Painters, he suited up for NLEX in 2017 and 2018 and later had stints with TNT and Blackwater. 

    Across those stops, he established himself as an import capable of carrying a team offensively while remaining a force on the boards.

     

    His recent form also suggests he remains at the top of his game. Playing for RANS Simba Bogor in the Indonesian Basketball League, Fuller averaged 23.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest, helping guide the club to a quarterfinal appearance.

     

    More than continuity, Rain or Shine’s decision may reflect a broader shift in how successful teams build contenders. Instead of gambling on an unfamiliar talent and spending weeks adjusting roles and expectations, the Elasto Painters are investing in certainty. 

     

    Fuller already knows the culture, the coaching staff knows what to expect from him, and the players understand how to play alongside him. 

     

    In a short conference where every game carries weight, that built-in trust can be worth more than any dazzling résumé. For a team that came within a series of reaching the Finals last season, bringing Fuller back is less about revisiting the past and more about picking up where it left off.

     

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  • Jaylen Johnson makes PBA Finals appearance as Chris McCullough’s supporter 

    Jaylen Johnson makes PBA Finals appearance as Chris McCullough’s supporter 

    For the first time in months, Jaylen Johnson experienced a PBA game without the pressure of carrying a team on his shoulders.

     

    Instead of battling inside the paint or leading a playoff charge, the former Rain or Shine import found himself sitting among thousands of fans at the Mall of Asia Arena, watching the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals from the stands.

     

    Johnson became part of the record crowd of 18,607 spectators who packed the venue for Game 3 between TNT Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday. But while many came to witness another chapter of the league’s biggest rivalry, Johnson had a more personal reason for being there.

     

    On the floor was Chris McCullough, a longtime friend whose basketball journey has intertwined with Johnson’s for years.

     

    “That’s my brother. I have known him since I was younger and in high school. Just came to support him while I was here,” Johnson told reporters.

     

    The sight of Johnson courtside served as a reminder that basketball’s relationships often extend far beyond team colors and league affiliations. Although Rain or Shine’s campaign ended at the hands of Ginebra in the semifinals, Johnson chose to stay connected to the Finals by supporting someone he considers family.

     

    McCullough delivered one of the most explosive performances of the championship series, pouring in 44 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and adding four assists in an effort to keep TNT afloat. But even that offensive outburst was not enough as Justin Brownlee answered with 41 points to lift Ginebra to a commanding 116-102 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

     

    After the final buzzer, Johnson made his way to McCullough, sharing a brief conversation with the TNT import following the loss.

     

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    For Johnson, it was another example of the support system he has maintained throughout his basketball career. Earlier in the playoffs, he also made efforts to encourage former TNT reinforcement Bol Bol after the latter suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

     

    “I’m just here supporting him like I was with Bol, which is my brother too,” Johnson said.

     

    While Johnson’s immediate future remains uncertain, his name continues to surface whenever discussions about returning imports arise. The athletic forward has previously expressed openness to returning to the PBA, potentially rejoining Rain or Shine if the opportunity presents itself.

     

    For now, though, he was simply another basketball fan soaking in one of the league’s biggest stages.

     

    And like everyone inside the arena, Johnson left impressed by the atmosphere surrounding the Finals.

     

    “It was lit. That’s the atmosphere you’ve asked for. Everybody came up and showed out, and it just shows how PBA fans really came to support,” he added.

     

    For one night, Johnson was no longer an import carrying playoff expectations. He was a friend, a supporter, and a witness to the kind of Finals environment every player hopes to be part of.

     

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  • “If they (Rain or Shine) have me back, I’ll love to come back”: Jaylen Johnson open to Rain or Shine return following semifinal exit 

    “If they (Rain or Shine) have me back, I’ll love to come back”: Jaylen Johnson open to Rain or Shine return following semifinal exit 

    Rain or Shine’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign may have ended in disappointment, but Jaylen Johnson made it clear that his story with the Elasto Painters may not be over just yet.


    Moments after Rain or Shine bowed out of the semifinals with a 118-107 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 6, Johnson was already looking ahead. 

     

    While the result ended the team’s title aspirations for the conference, the import’s focus quickly shifted toward the possibility of returning and finishing what he started.

     

    Johnson delivered another all-around performance in the deciding game, posting 27 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists as Rain or Shine fought to keep its season alive. 

     

    However, Ginebra’s firepower ultimately proved too much, with Justin Brownlee leading the way with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while RJ Abarrientos added 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

     

    Despite the defeat, Johnson’s message was centered less on the loss and more on the pursuit of a championship that remains out of reach.

     

    “I want to win a championship. If they (Rain or Shine) have me back, I’ll love to come back,” he said.

     

    The import doubled down on that commitment, emphasizing that the semifinal exit only strengthened his motivation to return to the league.

     

    “I don’t want it to end, but I’ll be back for sure. You will see a lot more of me because I can’t leave like that,” Johnson added.

     

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    His performance throughout the conference gave Rain or Shine a dependable centerpiece on both ends of the floor, helping the team navigate injuries and roster challenges en route to another semifinal appearance. 

     

    Although the Elasto Painters fell short of advancing, Johnson’s impact left a strong impression on the franchise and its supporters.

     

    For head coach Yeng Guiao, the conference was another example of a team that continued to compete despite facing adversity. Rain or Shine reached the semifinals for the fifth time in the last six conferences, but once again found itself a few wins short of a Finals berth.

     

    “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished this conference. We made it all the way to the semifinals. We’ve lost a couple of players along the way, but we still put up a good fight against Ginebra,” he said.

     

    Guiao also acknowledged the challenge of facing a team led by Brownlee, whom he described as one of the greatest imports to play in the league. While Johnson held his own in the matchup, the veteran coach admitted that Ginebra’s star import elevated his game when it mattered most.

     

    “We’re happy about our import, JJ, but Brownlee played a different game. We gave ourselves a chance,” Guiao bared.

     

    As Ginebra moves on to face defending champion TNT Tropang 5G in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals beginning Wednesday, June 3, Rain or Shine turns its attention to the upcoming Governors’ Cup and the next phase of its roster-building process.

     

    Guiao revealed that the team has already begun evaluating its options for the import position and is working from a “short list” of candidates. 

     

    Whether Johnson ultimately returns remains to be seen, but his willingness to come back gives Rain or Shine another important decision to consider as it looks to finally break through and contend for a championship.

     

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