Gabe Norwood’s retirement and injuries to key players Keith Datu and Stanley Pringle had prompted Rain or Shine to sign up rookie picks Jun Roque, Deo Cuajao and Joshua David ahead of the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
But the inclusion of these newcomers wasn’t done just because of necessity, but due to the fact that these players have potential of becoming future stars, according to Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.
“May potential sila,” said Guiao during a telephone interview with Pinoystep.com. “We hope we can develop them in the same way we developed players like Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito. Puwede silang maging katulad nina Adrian and Jhonard.”
Known for turning players considered as diamond in the rough to precious gems, Guiao turned Nocum and Clarito to becoming stars.
Clarito was a classic example of a player who nearly bounced out of the PBA and ended up as a Most Improved Player awardee. He was the hero of the San Juan Knights’ first championship in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League seven years ago.
Curiously, Nocum also played for the Knights, but became an even better player when he joined the Elasto Painters and right in his rookie season a few years ago, he immediately made a splash. He is now the most consistent guard in the Rain or Shine roster.
Roque was the last player selected in the first round by Rain or Shine in last year’s Rookie Draft.
A 6-foot-3 swingman, Roque played solid for the Letran Knights and the Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA.
Another swingman taken in by Rain or Shine was Cuajao, also a solid performer for the Knights in the country’s oldest collegiate tournament, while David, a versatile guard, honed his skills more with eventual MPBL champion Abra Weavers while competing for minutes or playing alongside Jason Brickman.
Guiao confirmed that Pringle underwent operation on his meniscus and will miss the most part of the Commissioner’s Cup, which made David’s entry more timely.
“He’ll be out for awhile,” said Guiao, referring to Pringle. “Of course we know what happened to Keith and he’s so important, so his absence means we’re going to need a big import. Not necessary a seven-foot player, but someone who’s big enough and can play inside and out.”
“The good news is, Luis Villegas is ready for the Commissioner’s Cup. We saw glimpses of him in the Philippine Cup and we were hoping to make it to the semifinals, but it didn’t happen. In the Commissioner’s Cup, he’s going to play a bigger role.”
