By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Versatile forward Mac Belo is now an official member of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters after agreeing to a one-year deal confirmed last May 31, 2023.
Belo together with his agents already met with the Rain or Shine management and signed the one-year contract the Elastopainters offered to him.
Also present during the ceremony were Rain or Shine’s chief mentor Yeng Guiao, assistant coach Caloy Garcia, and team manager Jireh Ibanes.
Belo landed in Rain or Shine’s roster spot after inking a swap with the Meralco Bolts involving bruising center Norbert Torres last May 19, 2023.
Their latest player trade came after relegating former head coach Norman Black to a consultant role while upgrading Luigi Trillo as its new chief tactician.
Feeling a need for a change in their frontcourt depth after failing to make the PBA finals again, Meralco made it known that they are seeking for a stronger paint presence after getting Torres.
Torres, one of the backup centers under head coach Yeng Guiao’s Rain or Shine, will be expected to bring toughness and added defense and will have the luxury to team up with former national team member Cliff Hodge.
Meanwhile, Belo, a former go-to guy when he was still with the Blackwater Elite, will have his resurgence year after not getting his usual minutes under the Meralco system.
Belo is expected to rise under the mentorship of coach Guiao and will form a deadly frontcourt duo with veteran Beau Belga.
The sweet-shooting swingman will also be guided by one of the best small forwards to play in the PBA, defensive maestro Gabe Norwood.
With Belo’s contract already announced, the former superstar of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws is expected to play several Rain or Shine games in the ongoing PBA On Tour Preseason.
