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Tag: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

  • Yeng Guiao questions PBA ban on Jaylen Johnson, warns of precedent in heated Rain or Shine-TNT clash

    Yeng Guiao questions PBA ban on Jaylen Johnson, warns of precedent in heated Rain or Shine-TNT clash

    The fiery encounter between Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and TNT Tropang Giga last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum did more than ignite the crowd—it sparked debate over discipline in the league. 

     

    It erupted late in the fourth quarter when Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin came to blows under the basket, leading to swift league sanctions.

     

    PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial handed Johnson a one-game suspension and a P50,000 fine, while Khobuntin, identified as the instigator, received a two-game ban and a P70,000 fine. 

     

    The ruling immediately drew criticism from Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who questioned the fairness and logic behind punishing his import for what he describes as self-defense.

     

    “I question the fairness and the wisdom of the commissioner with this decision,” Guiao said a day after the sanctions were announced. 

     

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    “Jaylen was punched first and he reacted in self defense, which is a totally rational human reaction. It was the officials’ incompetence and Khobuntin’s lost of temper that precipitated the incident. Jaylen was just reacting as a normal human being would, protect himself,” the 67-year-old veteran coach said.

     

    The altercation unfolded in the final six minutes of the game as the two players wrestled for position. 

     

    Khobuntin reportedly landed an uppercut to Johnson’s jaw, prompting the import to retaliate with a straight right before officials intervened. 

     

    “It’s just too bad that it happened. Jaylen’s a good guy, but napikon siya dahil pinikon siya,” Guiao added, reflecting on the unfortunate chain of events.

     

    Beyond defending his player, Guiao warned that suspending an import could set a troubling precedent in the league. 

     

    “In a conference of unlimited height, suspending an import is practically gifting the other team a victory. This means we could’ve lost two games just by an inconsequential player throwing a punch on our import. This is a precedent we should avoid as a league,” he said. 

     

    The coach added that Johnson’s absence could seriously impact the team’s chances, “The commissioner can suspend Khobuntin for two games or two years and it would not make a lot of difference for TNT.”

     

    Despite the looming suspension, Johnson showcased his value on the court, putting up 33 points with nine rebounds and three assists, leading Rain or Shine to a narrow 112-109 victory over the Tropang 5G. 

     

    However, Rain or Shine faces a critical challenge as they prepare to confront the Meralco Bolts on March 27 at the same venue, now without the presence of their fiery import.

     

    Guiao’s public questioning of the PBA’s disciplinary measures adds a new layer of tension to the league, highlighting the debate over how on-court retaliation and self-defense should be addressed in professional basketball.

     

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  • PBA hands suspensions, hefty fines after Glenn Khobuntin–Jaylen Johnson altercation

    PBA hands suspensions, hefty fines after Glenn Khobuntin–Jaylen Johnson altercation

    The Philippine Basketball Association wasted little time drawing the line.

     

    Less than 24 hours after tensions boiled over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the league handed down sanctions to Glenn Khobuntin and Jaylen Johnson, whose physical altercation disrupted an otherwise tightly contested Commissioner’s Cup matchup.

     

    Khobuntin of the TNT Tropang 5G was met with a heavier penalty—a two-game suspension along with a P70,000 fine—while Rain or Shine Elasto Painters import Johnson received a one-game ban and a P50,000 fine.

     

    The penalties stemmed from a heated sequence late in the fourth quarter of Rain or Shine’s 112-109 victory, when what began as routine physical play quickly escalated. With just over six minutes remaining, the two players got tangled while battling for position—seconds later, they were on the floor exchanging punches in a moment that stunned both teams and the crowd.

     

    League commissioner Willie Marcial called both players in the following day, where they reportedly expressed regret over the incident. Still, the league made it clear that such actions would not be taken lightly.

     

    “That’s like firing a gun. After that, you’ll end up regretting it,” Marcial said on Khobuntin’s case, as quoted in the PBA website which announced the sanctions.

     

    The consequences are immediate. Khobuntin will miss TNT’s upcoming games, including their clash against NLEX Road Warriors and a marquee showdown with San Miguel Beermen. Johnson, meanwhile, will sit out Rain or Shine’s next assignment against the Meralco Bolts.

     

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    What made the incident more jarring was its suddenness. There had been no prior signs of animosity between the two, making the eruption all the more unexpected in a game that had otherwise been defined by execution and intensity.

     

    Even observers from abroad took notice. A South Korean reporter familiar with Johnson’s stint in the Korean Basketball League weighed in on social media, expressing surprise at the turn of events.

     

    “Jaylen Johnson was a quiet player in the KBL, but he met with a rather dirty Filipino player to show UFC scenes,” said baekpd1983 on X. “In all sports, I think consideration for the opponent is important.”

     

    In a league known for its physicality, this moment served as a reminder of the fine line between competitiveness and control. The PBA’s swift action signals its intent to keep that balance intact—no matter the stakes.

     

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  • Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao gears up to challenge TNT, Bol Bol in PBA clash

    Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao gears up to challenge TNT, Bol Bol in PBA clash

    Rain or Shine, under the guidance of veteran coach Yeng Guiao, is set to face off against TNT Tropang Giga and their towering import Bol Bol this Friday, March 20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

     

    The Elasto Painters come off a solid 116-109 win against the Macau Black Knights in their season opener of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.

     

    Coach Guiao acknowledges TNT’s potential advantage, having scouted Rain or Shine’s first match and with the presence of Bol Bol, a towering import making his first overseas stint after playing for three NBA teams between 2019 and 2025.

     

    “Playing TNT and not having seen them play with Bol Bol, I think, gives them some sort of an advantage. They’ve seen us play now,” Guiao said. 

     

    “But at the same time, we also look at it as an advantage on our part for them to be playing their first game because I’m sure there’s going to be some adjustments on their part also,” he added.

     

    While TNT may have had the chance to study Rain or Shine in their opener, Guiao sees a potential edge in Bol Bol still adjusting to the pace and style of the PBA. 

     

    “I’m sure Bol Bol is going to be feeling out the game and making some adjustments. That might be an advantage for us, him not being able to familiarize and acclimatize himself with the local game,” the 66-year-old veteran coach noted.

     

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    Despite missing the chance to clash in the previous conference after falling to Meralco Bolts in the playoffs, the Elasto Painters are eager to reclaim their standing in the elimination round with strategic adjustments and team chemistry.

     

    Beyond the on-court matchup, this game represents an early test of endurance and adaptability for both squads, with Rain or Shine hoping to leverage their cohesive rotation and home-court momentum. 

     

    Coach Guiao believes the tactical chess match will be decided not just by Bol Bol’s presence but also by how quickly TNT’s supporting cast can adapt to Rain or Shine’s defensive schemes and transition game.

     

    Later in the evening, the Macau Black Knights will face off against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Size will greet Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the moment the Commissioner’s Cup tips off.

     

    In a conference known for unleashing high-impact imports, Rain or Shine may have drawn the most daunting opening stretch of all in the Philippine Basketball Association 50th Season. Their first two assignments? A 7-foot-6 giant and a 7-foot-3 former NBA mainstay.

     

    The Elasto Painters begin their campaign on March 14 at the Ynares Center Montalban against guest team Macau Black Bears, which is set to parade Sam Deguara. At 7-foot-6, Deguara is poised to become the tallest player ever to suit up in the league’s 50-year history — a literal and symbolic reminder of how this midseason tournament shifts the competitive landscape.

     

    Six days later, the challenge only intensifies. Rain or Shine heads to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a March 20 clash with TNT Tropang Giga, where 7-foot-3 Bol Bol will make his much-anticipated PBA debut. With a six-year NBA résumé from 2019 to 2025, Bol arrives not merely as a tall reinforcement but as one of the most decorated imports in the field.

     

    For a Rain or Shine squad built more on speed and grit than sheer height, the early matchups present a puzzle.

     

    “Problema talaga ‘yan,” admitted head coach Yeng Guiao when asked how his team plans to deal with towering reinforcements like Deguara and Bol.

     

    “I think we will only know how we can look for a scheme to siguro not to totally neutralize them but make them a little bit less effective when we see them play mismo. What we can do now is rely on the videos and past tapes nila, past performances. But iba pa rin ‘yung mag-adapt sila sa style ng PBA,” Guiao said.

     

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    The veteran tactician, known for squeezing advantages out of undermanned lineups, is approaching the challenge cautiously.

     

    “We will see how they will adapt. We will see if they have any weaknesses kung may weakness sila. We will try to do something to counter their size. Ang nakakatakot baka wala silang weakness,” Guiao added.

     

    Among the two, Bol looms as the greater concern.

     

    “Si Bol Bol, napapanood ko naman sa NBA, napapanood ko naman highlights niya. I think he will be a problem among all the imports. Ang pinakamalaking concern ko si Bol Bol. Wala pa kaming nakikitang paraan para mapigilan siya.”

     

    “He can own the paint, offense and defense. He is a human cheat code actually,” Guiao said.

     

    The Commissioner’s Cup has always been a tournament where matchups dictate destiny. For Rain or Shine, destiny arrives early — and it stands well over seven feet tall.

     

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  • Stanley Pringle to miss first two months of Commissioner’s Cup after knee surgery 

    Stanley Pringle to miss first two months of Commissioner’s Cup after knee surgery 

    Rain or Shine will begin its campaign in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup without one of its veteran backcourt leaders, as Stanley Pringle shifts his focus from competition to recovery.

     

    The high-scoring guard is expected to miss the first two months of the conference after undergoing surgery to address a lingering right lateral meniscus tear—an injury that quietly affected his rhythm during the previous Philippine Cup.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao revealed that the issue traced back to a preseason game, forcing the team to carefully manage Pringle’s minutes throughout the all-Filipino tournament before the veteran eventually opted for surgery during the offseason.

     

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    Pringle is currently in the early phase of a projected three-month recovery timeline. He has been seen moving with crutches and has not participated in the Elasto Painters’ recent tune-up matches, underscoring the team’s cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

     

    “Makakabalik siya in three months (after surgery). Halos nakaisang buwan na siya,”  Guiao said.

     

    “Siguro by April, makakabalik siya. Siguro in the middle of the eliminations.” The Rain or Shine head coach added. 

     

    The injury limited Pringle’s overall impact in his first conference with Rain or Shine, where he appeared in just four games and averaged 5.5 points and 2.3 assists. While the numbers reflected a reduced role, the coaching staff believes a full recovery could help the 38-year-old rediscover his offensive spark and veteran presence.

     

    For now, Rain or Shine’s early conference storyline centers on depth and adjustment, as the team navigates the opening stretch without one of its most experienced guards while waiting for Pringle’s return to stabilize the rotation.

     

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  • “This victory is for the coming generation”: Yeng Guiao dedicates PSA Award to athletes 

    “This victory is for the coming generation”: Yeng Guiao dedicates PSA Award to athletes 

    Veteran coach and former lawmaker Yeng Guiao added another milestone to his storied career—this time off the hardwood—after becoming the first non-athlete to receive the prestigious President’s Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during its Annual Awards Night on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel.

     

    Known to many as the fiery former head coach of Gilas Pilipinas and current bench tactician of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Guiao was recognized not for his achievements on the sidelines, but for his decade-long legal battle that resulted in a landmark victory for Philippine sports.

     

    In 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Guiao’s petition, ordering the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to remit five percent of their gross income to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in accordance with Republic Act 6847. The decision effectively unlocked billions of pesos in funding for the PSC—resources that are expected to significantly bolster infrastructure projects, grassroots programs, and athlete development nationwide.

     

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    For Guiao, the recognition capped a long and arduous journey that began in 2016 when he, along with legal counsels Jun Guzman and Mon Navarro, filed a judicial remedy seeking to nullify a memorandum issued during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos. The memorandum had prevented the full allocation of funds to the PSC as mandated by law.

     

    Taking the stage alongside his legal team, the 66-year-old Guiao reflected on the magnitude of the gamble he took in challenging powerful government agencies and risking political fallout.

     

    “So sumuntok po tayo sa buwan. Pero paminsan minsan tatamaan niyo yung buwan. And that’s really what happened here. Sino ba si Yeng Guiao to go to the Supreme Court and ask the Supreme Court to take away billions of funds from the office of the President? It was political suicide. Pag nagalit si presidente patay ka,” Guiao said on receiving the award.

    His words underscored the risk involved in confronting institutions that controlled vast financial resources. Yet Guiao maintained that the cause was bigger than politics.

     

    “But maybe somebody had to commit political suicide so that Philippine sports can breathe some fresh air. From my estimate, so Chairman Pato, the commissioners of the Philippine Sports Commission, the sports federations, the Philippine Olympic Committee, our athletes, our youth, our regular countrymen will benefit from around, if I’m not mistaken, a total of 37 billion peso in accumulated funds.

     

    “And if I’m not mistaken, from 180 million a month to most likely closer to 500 million a month for Philippine sports,” he added.

     

    If projections hold, the Supreme Court ruling could nearly triple the PSC’s monthly funding—an infusion that sports leaders believe will transform training facilities, expand grassroots programs, and provide sustained support to national athletes competing on the world stage.

     

    Guiao emphasized that the victory was never about personal recognition, but about securing long-term gains for future generations of Filipino athletes. He expressed hope that the additional funding would pave the way for more international success stories similar to Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, rising tennis star Alex Eala, and world-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

     

    “So nagwagi po tayo. This victory is a victory for athletes of the coming generation. It’s a victory for our sports leaders. It’s a victory for our countrymen in general. So sana po dumami pa ang mga Carlos Yulo. Dumami pa ang mga Hidilyn Diaz. Dumami pa ang mga Alex Eala, mga EJ Obiena. And I will be happy and satisfied that we have had a small part in that,” Guiao concluded.

     

    For the PSA, the decision to bestow its highest honor on a non-athlete highlighted the broader ecosystem that fuels sporting success. While athletes claim medals and coaches draw up winning plays, systemic change—particularly in funding and governance—often determines the sustainability of a nation’s sports program.

     

    In Guiao’s case, the battle was fought not on the court but in the halls of justice. And in winning it, he may have secured a legacy that extends far beyond basketball—one measured not in championships, but in opportunity.

     

     

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  • Rain or Shine taps globe-trotting Jaylen Johnson as Commissioner’s Cup import

    Rain or Shine taps globe-trotting Jaylen Johnson as Commissioner’s Cup import

    Rain or Shine has made a bold move for the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup, officially signing 6-foot-9 forward Jaylen Johnson as its import. Tasked with taking the Elasto Painters past the semifinals—where Deon Thompson left them last season—Johnson brings a wealth of experience from both domestic and international courts.

     

    At 29, Johnson is no stranger to high-level competition. A Louisville product, he once signed a training deal with the Chicago Bulls before suiting up for the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League.

     

     His professional journey also includes stints with the Iowa Wolves, Motor City Cruise, and Summer League appearances with the Indiana Pacers, reflecting a strong foundation in U.S. basketball circuits. 

     

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    Yet Johnson’s game is truly global. He’s taken his talents to Uruguay with Nacional, Taiwan with Taipei Mars, Israel with Hapoel Hafia, and Turkey with Yalovaspor Basketbol. In between, he also competed in the Big3 3-on-3 league in the United States, showcasing versatility across multiple formats.

     

    Adding to the storyline, Johnson shares a connection with rising local star Kevin Quiambao, his former teammate at the Goyang Sono Skygunners in Korea. Their reunion in Rain or Shine is expected to strengthen team chemistry and provide a spark for the Elasto Painters’ championship ambitions.

     

    With a career that spans continents and competitive platforms, Johnson isn’t just an import—he’s a seasoned professional whose diverse experience could be the key to Rain or Shine’s deeper run in the Commissioner’s Cup. Fans can expect the towering forward to combine size, skill, and global savvy as he aims to guide the Elasto Painters beyond last season’s semifinal finish.

     

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  • Beau Belga staying put as Rain or Shine brings him back for 15th PBA Season 

    Beau Belga staying put as Rain or Shine brings him back for 15th PBA Season 

    In a league that never stops getting younger, Beau Belga is betting on familiarity — and Rain or Shine is welcoming it.

     

    The Elasto Painters secured a stabilizing piece on Monday after signing the 39-year-old big man to a one-year contract, ensuring that one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players will return for a 15th season in orange and red. The move comes at a critical juncture for the team, which is entering a transition period following the retirement of longtime captain Gabe Norwood at the close of the PBA Philippine Cup.

     

    Belga’s return is less about numbers and more about presence.

     

    After battling a severe case of vertigo last season, the former PCU Dolphins standout took on a limited role in the All-Filipino Conference, averaging 2.3 points and 2.5 rebounds off the bench behind younger bigs Keith Datu and Caelan Tiongson.

     

    But with Datu sidelined indefinitely due to a ruptured right patellar tendon, Belga’s value now extends beyond the box score.

     

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    His longevity with Rain or Shine is a stark contrast to his early PBA years. After brief and largely unremarkable stints with Purefoods, Burger King, and Meralco, Belga found stability when he joined the Elasto Painters in 2011 — a partnership that has since produced two championships and six Finals appearances.

     

    Even as his role has evolved, Belga remains one of the few remaining links to Rain or Shine’s most successful era, making his return a bridge between past identity and present necessity.

     

    The timing is deliberate. Rain or Shine’s Season 50 All-Filipino campaign ended earlier than expected, bowing out in the quarterfinals to Meralco despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage — a result that underscored the thin margin between contention and reset.

     

    Belga’s signing was formalized in the presence of team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and team manager Jireh Ibanes, with the veteran big man accompanied by his representative Danny Espiritu, signaling the organization’s commitment to continuity amid change.

     

    At 39, Belga may no longer be the bruising interior force he once was, but for Rain or Shine — navigating injuries, leadership turnover, and unmet expectations — experience still carries weight. And for at least one more season, the Elasto Painters are choosing to lean on it.

     

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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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