RAIN or Shine believes it got the right rookie players in the recent PBA draft who can contribute to the team right away in Season 47 that kicks off on June 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters signed to separate deals Gian Mamuyac and Shaun Ildefonso, along with second round pick Jhonard Clarito.
All three neophytes were signed to two year contract each, proof of the immediate trust coach Chris Gavina has on them.
"Our owner and upper management were emphatic in continuing to add players to our roster that were not only highly talented, but known to display great character as well," said Gavina.
"Mamuyac, Ildefonso, and Clarito all fit that bill, and all three of them bring something unique to the table."
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Rain or Shine tabbed Mamuyac, the former Ateneo team captain, at no. 5 overall, and then added Ildefonso, son of PBA great Danny Ildefonso, by picking him at no. 10.
Clarito meanwhile, was still available at no. 17, and the Elasto Painters lost no time to pick the 6-foot-2 wingman out of De Ocampo College.
Gavina describes Mamuyac as a two-way player who's an added capable shooter for the team, while Ildefonso is considered one of the strongest players in this Season 47 rookie batch, whose strength and agility gives Rain or Shine the option to match him up against small or taller players.
As for Clarito, the Rain or Shine mentor referred to him as a player with 'no fear approach,' very strong, and who's grown accustomed to playing players twice his size in his amateur career.
"All three of them will obviously have a learning curve that they will have to deal with especially moving up to the pros, in regards to strength, pace, and a forceful mindset that's necessary at this level to succeed," said Gavina.
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"But all three of them are eager to learn, want to be coached, and most of all, have a chip on their shoulder to prove that we made the right choice in adding them to our roster." (RG)
