By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Rain or Shine Elastopainters are ready to represent the Philippines in the upcoming 2023 Jones Cup to be held in Taipei from August 12-20.
After an impressive run during the PBA On Tour Preseason tournament, the Yeng Guiao-led squad will now face tougher competition on the international hoops level.
This will also mark the return of the prestigious basketball tournament after the COVID-19 pandemic halted its staging for the past three years.
It was PBA Board of Governor chairman Ricky Vargas who also confirmed the participation of the Elastopainters and expressed his support for the Rain or Shine franchise.
As of now, the Elastopainters are yet to confirm if they will be adding any players to their roster for the international cup aside from Ange Kouame.
Kouame, a naturalized Gilas Pilipinas center who helped the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles build a dynasty and win three titles in a row, will be reinforcing Rain or Shine in Taipei.
With Kouame backstopping Beau Belga underneath, expect a tougher and more physical Rain or Shine frontcourt in the Jones Cup.
The trip to Taipei will also serve as a huge boost to coach Guiao and his wards as this tourney will help their young core build more confidence and face tougher opponents outside the PBA.
All eyes will be on their young star point guard Rey Nambatac, two-way efficient player Gian Mamuyac, and their versatile power forward Santi Santillan.
Before the PBA On Tour started, coach Guiao already said that he needs a lot of tournaments to hone the chemistry of his young team while also toughening up his future superstars.
Guiao also made it known to his young core that this will be a long process and he is hoping that his team will stay patient with him on his quest of bringing back Rain or Shine’s winning mentality.
