Rain or Shine signed up Caelan Tiongson, one of its two rookie selections in the first round of the recent PBA Rookie Draft, ending rumors that he’s going to be traded to another team.
Tiongson, who joined the Elasto Painters in the team’s campaign in the Kadayawan Invitational Tournament to observe and negotiate with his contract, came to terms on Sunday hours before Rain or Shine’s final game against La Salle in a four-squad pocket tournament also participated by Converge and Phoenix Super LPG in Davao City.
Present during the signing was Tiongson, represented by his agent Marvin Espiritu, head coach Yeng Guiao, Rain or Shine’s head of basketball operations Caloy Garcia and team executive Edison Oribiana.
Following the signing of the 6-foot-5, 32-year-old player, Rain or Shine has just completed its roster.
A few days ago, Tiongson had already hinted that he’s set to join the Elasto Painters when he posted on his social media his jersey number 0 he’s set to wear for the coming PBA season.
Raymond Yu, one of the team’s co-owners, wrote in a text message to Pin0ystep.com that the team is really decided to sign up the veteran international campaigner.
“Don’t believe all the noise,” wrote Yu, pertaining to rumors that Tiongson is being traded to another team or the management had a difficult time signing up the newcomer forward.
With Tiongson already on board, Rain or Shine now has the player who could play both forward spots even as incoming sophomore Luis Villegas is close to fully recover from a knee injury.
Last season, Villegas, selected third overall by the Elasto Painters in last year’s Rookie Draft, missed playing the entire season, but has now started working out with the team and will soon by able to see action.
