E-PAINTERS, ELITE EYE REBOUND
Paul Lee has been cleared of any major injury in his bad fall in the Rain or Shine-San Miguel Beer matchupTuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
That’s good news for Rain or Shine although the six-foot World Cup and Asian Games veteran is still a doubtful starter as the Elasto Painters tangle with the Blackwater Elite in their second game in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Big Dome.
Nonetheless, the E-Painters, two-time finalists in PBA Season 39, set out the heavy favorites against newcomer Blackwater in their 7 p.m. tussle.
The Elite themselves have their own health woes.
Former RoS stalwarts Alex Nuyles and Larry Rodriguez got hurt in the Blackwater-Kia game, a bad break leading to the Elite’s second-half breakdown in their 66-80 loss to the Sorento and their playing coach Manny Pacquiao.
The Elite definitely face an even bigger challenge against the Elasto Painters with Blackwater coach Leo Isaac himself considering Rain or Shine among the top contenders for the crown.
It’s really hard to overlook Rain or Shine with its two Finals appearances and a semis finish last season.
And it’s not surprising that just everyone considers the Asian Coatings Inc. ballclub as among those to watch out for in the 2015 hardcourt wars.
For Rain or Shine, the most important development in the season break was resolving the “Paul Lee controversy.” Lee, one of Rain or Shine’s contributions to the national team, asked to be traded but reconsidered his plan and stayed on as an Elasto Painter.
With that, Rain or Shine gave away No. 2 draft pick Kevin Alas in exchange for something to build on in the future.
And except for Nuyles and Rodriguez, all others also stayed on as Elasto Painters, keeping the team that fought San Mig Coffee in the Philippine Cup and the Governors’ Cup finales last season.
“We’re looking forward to a very competitive season,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
Rain or Shine is back with a complete lineup with the return of burly Cebuano player JR Quinahan.
The only new face in the RoS team is guard Jericho Cruz.
Since ruling the 2012 Governors’ Cup, the Elasto Painters have never finished lower than fifth place in a testament to their competitiveness and consistency. (SB)
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