By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Rain or Shine Elastopainters already kicked off its off-season roster tweak after sending floor general Rey Nambatac to the Blackwater Bossing franchise confirmed last February 14, 2024.
In exchange, the Elastopainters will be looking to add more youth as they will be receiving two future first-round picks from Blackwater.
Rain or Shine’s first selection will be coming in the nearing PBA Rookie Draft while the other first-round pick will be done at the PBA’s 50th season.
After six years with Rain or Shine, this will be the first time that Nambatac will be on the move in the free agency market.
Nambatac was selected by the Elastopainters as the fifth overall pick during the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. He immediately lived up to his hype after becoming an instant spark off the bench offensively.
With his consistent style of play, Nambatac was already elevated as a starter for Rain or Shine during his sophomore year and was making big plays after big plays for the independent basketball; franchise.
During his six seasons under Rain or Shine, Nambatac went on several post-season trips and was also a vital piece to the team’s semifinal qualifications three years ago.
However, Nambatac surprisingly had a sub-par Commissioner’s Cup campaign with Rain or Shine and saw his averages dip from the previous seasons.
After the import-laced conference, the leftie point guard only averaged 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
With his departure, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao will be relying on Adrian Nocum, Anton Asistio, Andrei Caracut, and Gian Mamuyac.
