E-PAINTERS EXPECTING CHISM PAYOFF
RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao knew he was taking a big gamble when he decided to replace import Alexander McLean with Wayne Chism.
Guiao and his Elasto Painters now see if the gamble pays off when they tackle GlobalPort Monday in the PLDT Home Tvolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A win is a must for the Batang Pier since they need to sweep their last three elimination round games to get a chance at advancing into the ensuing quarterfinals.
Rain or Shine is not in as dire a situation, but Guiao can’t help but be worried just the same.
With only two wins to show after five games, the E-Painters need to win three of their last four games to fan their hopes of not only advancing to the next round but also avoiding the pitfall a seventh- or an eighth-place finish would entail.
The top two teams after the nine-game eliminations each enjoy a win-once advantage over teams ranked at seventh and eighth, respectively, in the quarterfinals.
To achieve that goal, Chism must make an immediate impact, as Guiao is hoping, and the former University of Tennessee star seems ready to do that.
“Our new import has made good progress in our last two practices. I’m confident he can make significant contribution to our campaign from here on,” said Guiao of Chism, who arrived last Thursday.
Officially measured at 6-8 and described as one low post player who can go strong to the basket and finish with either hand, the 245-lb Chism should prove to be the dominant inside presence the E-Painters need.
Yet Guiao is also quick to point out that it is not only Chism who should carry the chunk of the load. “Our locals will also have to step up and not rely too much on our import,” he stated, specifically referring to making stops.
Undeniably, Rain or Shine gave up an average of 97.75 points in their first four games before holding Meralco to just 79 points in a 17-point win last Wednesday, when McLean played out his last game.
Despite its own struggles, GlobalPort should prove to be a handful, what with a hardworking import in Evan Brock and a host of locals who can explode at any given time.
“Consistency of our defense has been a factor in our struggles and we are hoping Chism can also give us a lift in this department,” said Guiao. (NC)
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