A lot of things went right for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their win over the Meralco Bolts on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. One of those things was rookie Deo Cuajao playing well once again.
The former Letran Knights standout told Rebanse after the game that his recent strong performances are his way of repaying Rain or Shine for the trust the organization has placed in him.
“Siyempre pinagpa-pray ko lang po palagi na ‘yun nga, kapag binigyan ako ng opportunity maging ready ako, so okay naman, ready naman [lagi] ‘yung mindset ko at tsaka ‘yung kumpiyansa na binibigay ni coach [Yeng Guiao],” said Cuajao.
Against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the young shooting guard finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 2-of-4 from three-point range. He followed that up with another solid outing against the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, scoring 15 points on an efficient 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc. In both games, Cuajao was part of the starting unit despite Rain or Shine being known for not having a permanent starting lineup.
Deo Cuajao Focusing on Defense
It may come as a surprise, but when asked about what he is focusing on with Rain or Shine, the 6-foot-1 guard said his primary focus is defense rather than being a three-point specialist.
“’Yung depensa naman po talaga ang mina-mindset ko eh, kasi kung hindi man ako maka-shoot, at least nandoon ako sa court dahil sa depensa ko,” he explained.
For now, Cuajao is turning heads with his shooting—which isn’t a surprise. He is, after all, proving to be a reliable marksman from both the three-point and four-point lines. Even so, the young guard knows he’ll bring more value to the Elasto Painters—and also earn more playing time—if he can play good defense.
The Elasto Painters will have a week off before taking on former teammate Gian Mamuyac and the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday, August 9, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. They will be looking to make it five straight win in this PBA Governors’ Cup.
