ROS upbeat on chances

MANILA, Philippines — There’s reason to be optimistic that it’ll shine more than rain for Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup and the Elasto Painters proved it by beating NLEX, 83-82, in their season opener at the Ynares Sport Arena, Pasig, last Friday. The Road Warriors had more field goal attempts, 88-70, but could only hit 34.1 percent from the floor compared to ROS’ 44.3 as defense was the key to new coach Chris Gavina’s debut win.

In the bubble conference last year, ROS was No. 1 in defense, least turnovers and lowest field goal percentage allowed but last in offense and assists. The Painters were tied with four others for third place in the single round-robin then lost to Ginebra, 81-73, in the quarterfinals with a twice-to-win disadvantage. “Our downfall was we just couldn’t knock down open shots,” said then-coach Caloy Garcia, now team consultant. “We had no legs to shoot the ball. My new role is on the management side, building up our team through trades, rookies and free agents. Chris brought in Rob (Wainwright) as first assistant and has a solid staff with Mike (Buendia) and Ricky (Umayam). But I’ve assured Chris anytime he needs me, I’ll be there.”

Garcia said this year’s lineup is a lot stronger with rookies Santi Santillan, Anton Asistio and Andrei Caracut and veteran Bradwyn Guinto acquired from NorthPort. Gone are Sidney Onwubere, Kris Rosales, Clint Doliguez and Ryan Araña. “We were last in assists last conference so we brought in guards Anton and Andrei,” he said. “I’ve watched Andrei since he was in San Beda high school. At La Salle, he showed his potential. Santi and Bradwyn give us more depth in the frontcourt.”

Gavina said he’s upbeat on his rookies. “They’ve come a long way from when we first started our pre-season training,” he said. “Asistio and Caracut have been revelations in what they’ve showcased at practice. Asistio has the innate ability to be a solid playmaker and knockdown shooter while Caracut carries himself with great poise and excels in his ability to create shots not just for himself but for his teammates as well. We’ve been trying to get Santi as many game reps with our core players as he came in late due to his commitments with the Gilas 3x3 team and recently, the birth of his child. Santi has been putting in the extra work to catch up with his teammates and he’s on the right track.”

Against NLEX, Gavina leaned on his veterans to get the job done. Rey Nambatac poured in 19 points, including 7-of-7 free throws, while a slimmed-down Beau Belga collected 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Javee Mocon scored 12 and Jewel Ponferada, 10. Gabe Norwood had eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.