LUIS Villegas will finally see action for Rain or Shine in Season 49 of the PBA after sitting out his rookie year due to ACL injury.
Coach Yeng Guiao disclosed the big man out of University of the East is guaranteed to play in the season-opening Governors' Cup and sees him possibly coming to the team by the middle of the conference.
Villegas has begun practicing with the entire Elasto Painters, according to Guiao.
"Minimal pa yung contact niya, pero papunta na siya run kasi nabigyan na siya ng go-signal nung doctor niya," said the Rain or Shine mentor.
"Makakalaro siya, tingin ko makakahabol siya this conference."
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Villegas was picked no. 3 overall by Rain or Shine during the Season 48 draft, but didn't get to play for the entire season as he continued to recover from his ACL surgery.
He was supposed to form a Twin Tower duo for the team along with fourth overall pick Keith Datu.
But despite his absence, the Elasto Painters still managed to make the playoffs of both conferences last year.
Rain or Shine even advanced to the semifinals of the season-ending Philippine Cup, but was swept by San Miguel Beer in their best-of-seven series.
The stint was the first semis appearance for the franchise since 2019.(RG)
