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Tag: Yeng Guiao

  • Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    In a game decided by the smallest of margins, Rain or Shine walked away not just with a loss—but with lingering questions.

     

    The Elasto Painters absorbed a painful 92-90 defeat to NLEX on Wednesday night in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, a result shaped as much by execution as it was by a pivotal decision in the closing minutes that left head coach Yeng Guiao visibly frustrated.

     

    With under two minutes to play and Rain or Shine clinging to an 87-86 lead, what looked like a momentum-shifting defensive play turned into a turning point of a different kind. Gian Mamuyac stripped Robert Bolick clean, igniting what could have been a transition opportunity. Instead, a whistle halted the play, calling a foul that Rain or Shine immediately contested.

     

    After a lengthy review, the challenge proved successful—Mamuyac’s foul was overturned. But the reversal didn’t restore what Rain or Shine felt it had already earned.

     

    Rather than awarding possession to the Elasto Painters, officials ruled a jump ball, wiping away what could have been a clear fastbreak situation. The sequence flipped the energy of the game, especially when NLEX secured the tip and Bolick drained a clutch four-pointer to seize a 90-87 advantage.

     

    For Guiao, the issue wasn’t just the call—it was the interpretation.

     

    “Ang alam ko, sa rules, pagka-successful ang challenge mo, kung ano yung pinakahuling incident or action, dapat doon mo pagbabasehan yung possesion,” Guiao said.

     

    “Ang consequence nun, naging loose ball, nakuha namin yung bola, tapos pina-jump ball nila. Tingin ko maling-mali yung interpretation na yun. It should have been our ball kasi kami ang maagrabyado. Actually, it could have been a fastbreak eh. Puwede naming i-fastbreak yun kasi turnover eh. Tinanggalan pa kami ng fastbreak,” said Guiao.

     

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    “I don’t know if they will review that pero tingin ko mali,” said Guiao.

     

    Still, the game didn’t end there—and Rain or Shine had chances to recover, Luis Villegas responded with a clutch basket to tie the game after Bolick’s four-pointer, keeping the Elasto Painters within striking distance. But in the final moments, missed opportunities proved costly.

     

    Jhonard Clarito came up empty on two crucial free throws, opening the door for NLEX’s JB Bahio to deliver the game-winner—a cold-blooded jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining.

     

    It was the kind of finish that leaves little room for what-ifs, yet Guiao couldn’t help but circle back to the possession that slipped away.

     

    “Sa ganitong laro, one possession is very important especially that possession can turn into a transition point para sa amin. Pero ganun lang talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    In the end, the box score will show a two-point loss. But for Rain or Shine, the night will be remembered for a single sequence—one that turned a potential advantage into a turning tide.

     

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  • “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    For Rain or Shine’s head coach Yeng Guiao, the end of a winning streak wasn’t a moment of frustration—it was simply part of the process.


    After guiding the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a blazing 7-0 start, Guiao watched his squad absorb its first loss, an 87-83 setback to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday. The defeat trimmed their record to 7-1.

     

    “It was good while it lasted. Mangyayari naman talaga ’yon, mapuputol at some point. Also, it releases some pressure off us. Ang gusto lang talaga is makarating kami ng nine wins and secure the twice-to-beat. Of course, we like to win as much and as many as we can, but darating yung araw na maalat talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    Even during their unbeaten stretch, Guiao had repeatedly cautioned against getting too comfortable. That foresight showed as he treated the loss less as a setback and more as a recalibration point for a young, fast-paced roster that has thrived on momentum.

     

    Against Phoenix, Rain or Shine struggled to impose its usual tempo. A flurry of missed layups and turnovers allowed the Fuel Masters to seize control late, turning the game into one played on their terms.

     

    “Ganun talaga. Yung shift ng momentum, we couldn’t back our own momentum. Masyadong magkasunod yung mga missed layups and turnovers, one after another. Sila naman, pumasok yung mga tres nila at mga layups nila pumapasok din. We played a game that I felt more in their pace. Hindi namin nai-push yung bola,” the 66-year-old veteran coach explained.

     

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    Despite the stumble, the Elasto Painters remain in a strong position atop the standings. More importantly, Guiao’s focus hasn’t wavered from the bigger goal—securing a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs.

     

    “We knew there was going to be a bad night one of these days. Mabuti, nakapagpundar na kami ng mga panalo. We don’t want to feel too bad about it. Because overall, we’re really okay. We’re still number one. We try to keep our objective, which is secure twice-to-beat,” he added.

     

    Rain or Shine also missed the services of Felix Lametti, who continues to recover from a left knee sprain. The Fil-Swedish guard had been averaging 11.29 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.43 rebounds prior to the injury, making his absence felt in the backcourt rotation.

     

    Still, Adrian Nocum stepped up with 20 points, five rebounds, and one assist in a losing effort.

    On the other side, Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 20 points, while James Dickey added 17 and Tyler Tio contributed 16 to complete the comeback win.

     

    With tougher matchups looming against Magnolia Hotshots, NLEX Road Warriors, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Guiao’s calm demeanor could prove just as valuable as any winning streak.

    For Rain or Shine, the message from their coach is clear, the streak may be over but the bigger mission is just beginning.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao warns against complacency amid Rain or Shine’s unbeaten start in the Commissioner’s Cup

    Yeng Guiao warns against complacency amid Rain or Shine’s unbeaten start in the Commissioner’s Cup

    The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have emerged as one of the early stories of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, storming out of the gates with a flawless 6–0 record. The hot start not only places them firmly atop the standings but also marks the best opening in franchise history, signaling a team that may finally be ready to contend at the highest level.

     

    Despite the impressive run, veteran head coach Yeng Guiao remains grounded, cautioning his squad against the dangers of overconfidence. Known for his disciplined and no-nonsense approach, Guiao emphasized that sustaining success requires constant vigilance—especially in a league as competitive as the PBA.

     

    “That’s always the fear of coaches especially if you are on a winning streak. Magbabanty ka rin kung hanggang kailan ito. So we just try to be consistent with what we do, and what we do in practice,” Guiao said in a media interaction.

     

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    Rain or Shine’s unblemished start has been built on resilience and cohesion, traits that have developed over time. Guiao pointed out that the team’s core has been together for several seasons, steadily gaining experience through multiple deep playoff runs. The Elasto Painters have reached the semifinals in four of the last five conferences, a stretch that has helped shape their identity and composure in high-pressure situations.

    “It takes years to mature. We have been making the semifinals four out of the last five conferences, and I think that’s part of the maturity already. Although wala pa kami dun ngayon, palagay ko malaking tulong yung experience na yun,” he added.

     

    That maturity has already been put to the test early in the conference. Rain or Shine pulled off remarkable comeback victories against powerhouse squads like the San Miguel Beermen and the Converge FiberXers, overcoming deficits of more than 20 points in both contests. Such performances underscore not just talent, but a growing belief within the roster that no game is out of reach.

     

    For Guiao, however, these wins are not signs of overnight success but rather the result of a long and deliberate process.

     

    “Hindi ka naman bigla-biglang gagaling na lang. There’s a process to it, and we are just going through that process,” Guiao concluded.

     

    As the Elasto Painters prepare for their next assignment, the focus remains on consistency rather than milestones. They will look to extend their winning streak to seven when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, April 15, at the Ynares Center.

     

     

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  • “Appropriate recognition”: Yeng Guiao explains why Gabe Norwood deserves historic honor from Rain or Shine

    “Appropriate recognition”: Yeng Guiao explains why Gabe Norwood deserves historic honor from Rain or Shine

    Veteran forward Gabe Norwood recently officially called time on his illustrious Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) career, closing the curtain on a remarkable 17-year run that stood as a model of consistency, discipline, and professionalism. His retirement came at the conclusion of the 2025 Philippine Cup, marking the end of an era not just for Rain or Shine, but for the league as a whole.

     

    In a fitting tribute to one of the franchise’s most iconic figures, Rain or Shine management announced on Monday, April 6, that Norwood’s No. 5 jersey will be retired. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at halftime of their Commissioner’s Cup matchup against the Converge FiberXers on Friday, April 10, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena—a stage befitting the legacy he leaves behind.

     

    “A player who defined an era. A true Rain or Shine legend. A legacy that will never fade. Join us this April 10 at halftime of the Rain or Shine vs. Converge game as we celebrate the career and officially retire the jersey of Gabe Norwood,” the team wrote on its social media page.

     

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    Norwood’s impact on the franchise transcends statistics. From his rookie season in 2008, he quickly established himself as the team’s defensive anchor and emotional leader, becoming synonymous with the Rain or Shine identity—tough, selfless, and resilient. Over nearly two decades, he evolved into the face of the organization, guiding multiple generations of players while maintaining a standard of excellence rarely matched.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao, who has long been associated with Norwood’s development and success, was instrumental in advocating for the jersey retirement. For Guiao, the honor is not just deserved—it is necessary in telling the story of the franchise.

    “Just appropriate recognition and honor for Gabe Norwood. Ang history ng Rain or Shine ay Norwood era and post-Norwood era. Parang ‘yan yung kwento ng Rain or Shine ngayon eh. So naging marker siya ng kwento ng franchise ng Rain or Shine,” Guiao said.

     

    Guiao further emphasized that Norwood’s legacy extends far beyond his on-court contributions, highlighting the veteran’s character and influence within the team and the league.

     

    “So appropriately, kailangan talaga siyang bigyan ng recognition, ng honor. Not just because he is a great basketball player but because he is a great human being,” he added.

     

    Norwood retires with a résumé that firmly secures his place among the PBA’s all-time greats. A two-time champion with Rain or Shine, he captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2009 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2010—early indicators of the two-way excellence that would define his career. Known league-wide for his ability to guard multiple positions, Norwood built a reputation as one of the PBA’s premier defenders, often tasked with shutting down the opposition’s best player.

     

    In addition to his defensive accolades, Norwood earned three PBA Sportsmanship Awards, a testament to his integrity and respect for the game. He was also selected to 11 All-Star teams, reflecting both his sustained performance and the admiration he garnered from fans, peers, and media alike.

     

    Beyond the numbers, however, Norwood’s true value was felt in the locker room. As a steady veteran presence, he mentored younger players, led by example, and embodied the professionalism that coaches and organizations strive to instill. His leadership helped shape Rain or Shine’s culture, making him not just a cornerstone of the team’s past, but a lasting influence on its future.

     

    As the franchise prepares to raise his No. 5 jersey to the rafters, it serves as a permanent reminder of a player who didn’t just play the game the right way—he elevated everyone around him while doing so.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao sees growth beyond wins as Rain or Shine stays unbeaten 

    Yeng Guiao sees growth beyond wins as Rain or Shine stays unbeaten 

    For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, the numbers tell one story, a flawless 5-0 start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. But for head coach Yeng Guiao, the real narrative runs deeper than the standings.


    Their latest test came against the San Miguel Beermen, where Rain or Shine held firm in a 116-112 victory on Wednesday. 

     

    It was another close battle added to their growing list of hard-earned wins—proof, according to Guiao, that the team is evolving in ways that don’t always show up in the win-loss column.

    “Ito ‘yung progress na sinasabi ko. You progress in your maturity, you progress in your character, how to fight against adversity,” the veteran coach said.

     

    After opening their campaign with a win over guest team Macau, the Elasto Painters were forced to navigate multiple challenges. 

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson missed significant time, including about five-and-a-half quarters in a loss to TNT and a one-game suspension against Meralco. Yet instead of faltering, the team adapted.

    Guiao pointed to those moments as defining stretches of their campaign.

     

    “Lahat ng mahirap dinaanan na namin. Lumaban kami nang walang import na kalaban si Bol Bol. Lumaban kami nang walang import for the whole game, kalaban Meralco. Nag-lead kami ng 25 points, tapos naubos. Pero, naipanalo pa rin,” the 67-year-old head coach said.

     

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    When Johnson returned, the team didn’t just welcome him back—they made a statement. Rain or Shine dismantled the Blackwater Bossing in historic fashion, 151-95, setting a new record for the largest winning margin in league history.

     

    He followed that up with 22 points against San Miguel, anchoring another crucial win that kept their unbeaten run intact.

     

    Still, Guiao insists the standings are far from their priority. “We don’t even mind number one ka, number two ka sa standings. Importante lang makarating ka sa next round,” Guiao said.

     

    For him, the goal is simple and that is to reach the quarterfinals with at least six to seven wins—and let everything else follow.

     

    Behind that mindset is a deliberate effort to shape a team that thrives under pressure. Guiao has long been known for building disciplined, defensive squads, but this iteration of Rain or Shine is showing a different edge, one built on trust and composure in chaotic moments. 

     

    Rather than relying solely on systems, Guiao has given his players room to respond, adjust, and grow through each test, a shift that is now paying dividends in close games.

     

    The Elasto Painters will look to extend their streak when they face the Converge FiberXers, who currently hold a 1-4 record, on April 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao on Rain or Shines’ record rout: “Parang All-Star game”

    Yeng Guiao on Rain or Shines’ record rout: “Parang All-Star game”

    There are dominant wins, and then there are nights when the scoreboard starts to look unreal.

     

    Rain or Shine delivered one of those on Wednesday, turning what was supposed to be another elimination-round assignment into a record-breaking demolition job after dismantling Blackwater, 151-95, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    By the time the final seconds ticked away, even Yeng Guiao had to take a second look at the giant screen overhead.

     

    “Tinignan ko nga yung score, sabi ko parang All-Star game,” said Guiao after watching his team pile up points at a pace that felt more like an exhibition than a conference game.

     

    “Pero there will come nights like this.”

     

    This was not just another comfortable win for the Elasto Painters. It was a night that officially carved their name into league history.

     

    The 56-point beating established a new PBA record for the biggest winning margin ever, surpassing the previous mark of 55 points set by U-Tex in a 154-99 rout of Great Taste during the 1980 Open Conference semifinals.

     

    It also became the most lopsided win in franchise history for Rain or Shine, whose previous scoring high-water mark had been its 139-95 rout of Meralco during the 2021 Philippine Cup eliminations.

     

    In one game, the Elasto Painters did not just extend their unbeaten run. They shattered old standards while doing it.

     

    The win pushed Rain or Shine to a fourth straight victory and kept the team alone at the top of the Commissioner’s Cup standings as the conference’s only undefeated squad.

     

    What made the performance even more striking was how quickly the game was taken away from Blackwater.

     

    Rain or Shine exploded for a 42-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, immediately putting the Bossing on the ropes and setting the tone for the kind of avalanche that rarely happens in the PBA.

     

    That 27-point cushion after just one quarter was the biggest opening-period lead seen in seven years.

     

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    At the center of that opening blitz was Andrei Caracut, who torched Blackwater early and finished with 22 points, including 18 in the first period alone.

     

    But the game was hardly about one player.

     

    Rain or Shine came at Blackwater in waves, with eight Elasto Painters finishing in double figures as the team’s depth, pace, and shooting turned the game into a runaway long before halftime. Out of the 16 players fielded by Guiao, only Beau Belga and Caelan Tiongson were held scoreless.

     

    The 151 points also became Rain or Shine’s new franchise scoring record, while standing as the team’s highest total of the conference and the second-highest single-game output in PBA Season 50, behind only San Miguel’s 158-point explosion against Titan Ultra in the Philippine Cup.

     

    Still, for all the numbers and history, Guiao refused to frame the result as a true reflection of the gap between the two teams.

     

    “Coach Jeff [Cariaso] had a bad night with his team, and that’s not their real game,” the Rain or Shine coach said.

     

    “They (Bossing) beat Magnolia the last time, so we approached this game very cautiously. Sabi ko sa team in the dugout, if by the fourth quarter Blackwater is close to us in the scores, we will have a problem, we will have to grind this game out.

     

    “Mabuti na lang, nakalayo kami nang maaga.”

     

    That early separation ended up becoming a historic one.

     

    What began as a test of whether Rain or Shine could preserve its unbeaten start turned into something much bigger — a statement win, a scoring eruption, and now, a permanent place in the record books.

     

    For Guiao and the Elasto Painters, it was one of those rare nights where everything clicked.

     

    And when that happens, even the scoreboard can start to feel unbelievable.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao “amazed’ after Rain or Shine’s record 56-point win over Blackwater

    Yeng Guiao “amazed’ after Rain or Shine’s record 56-point win over Blackwater

    Rain or Shine continued to stamp its authority on the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, extending its unbeaten run to four games with a historic and emphatic victory that further solidified its status as an early conference favorite.

     

    The Elasto Painters delivered a performance for the record books on Tuesday, March 31, dismantling the Blackwater Bossing, 151–95, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The 56-point blowout not only underscored Rain or Shine’s dominance on both ends of the floor, but also set a new benchmark in league history for the largest winning margin—surpassing the long-standing 55-point record set by Utex against Great Taste in the 1980 Open Conference semifinals.

     

    From the opening tip, Rain or Shine imposed its will. The team exploded for 45 points in the first quarter while holding Blackwater to just 15, immediately creating a gap that proved insurmountable. The offensive onslaught was relentless, with crisp ball movement, efficient shooting, and suffocating defense fueling the runaway victory. By halftime, the outcome was all but decided, allowing the Elasto Painters to maintain their intensity while also showcasing their depth.

     

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    That depth proved to be one of the defining stories of the game. Rain or Shine’s bench poured in a staggering 82 points, a testament to the team’s balanced roster and system-driven approach. Eight different players finished in double figures, highlighting a collective effort that overwhelmed Blackwater at every turn.

    Despite his team’s commanding performance, head coach Yeng Guiao admitted even he was taken aback by the magnitude of the win, especially given his decades of experience in the league.

     

    “I don’t remember. I looked at the score earlier, and it looked like an All-Star Game,” Guiao said.

    Guiao emphasized that the lopsided result did not reflect a lack of preparation or respect for their opponents. In fact, the veteran coach revealed that the team approached the matchup with caution, particularly considering Blackwater’s strong showing in their previous outing.

     

    “There will come nights like this. Coach Jeff Cariaso had a bad night with his team but that’s not the real game. They beat Magnolia in the last game. We approached this game very cautiously. I told the team in the dugout that if by the fourth quarter, Blackwater is close to us in the scores, we will have a problem. We will have to grind this game out. It’s a good thing we were away early,” he added.

     

    The victory not only preserved Rain or Shine’s perfect record but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Through four games, the Elasto Painters have displayed consistency, chemistry, and a high-powered offense capable of erupting at any moment, complemented by a defense that can shut down opponents just as effectively.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup progresses, Rain or Shine now sits atop the standings, brimming with confidence and momentum. However, tougher challenges lie ahead. The team will look to sustain its flawless campaign when it returns to action against the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, April 8, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—a matchup that promises to be a more telling gauge of their championship credentials.

     

     

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  • 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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  • 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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