The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have locked up bull-strong forward Jhonard Clarito to a long-term extension. But one key player, Gian Mamuyac, could be headed elsewhere.
On Friday, the Elasto Painters announced that Clarito signed a three-year contract extension with Rain or Shine, assuring that he will be with the team up until Season 53 at least. Clarito’s signing comes on the heels of management securing rookie Jun Roque and veteran guard Anton Asistio to one-year deals.
Keeping Clarito Long-Term Is a Win
While Asistio and Roque have had their moments in PBA Season 50, Clarito is arguably more important to Rain or Shine’s title aspirations. The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 10.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals on 39% shooting from rainbow territory and 80.7% from the charity stripe.
Crucially, Clarito has shown he can come up big and will the Elasto Painters to victory, mostly through sheer hard work and tenacity at the point and on the boards. A case in point is Rain or Shine’s Game 1 win in the semis against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, where Clarito poured in 25 points highlighted by a booming triple in the endgame. Clarito also had a memorable 20-20 game in the Philippine Cup, where he put up 14 points and 12 rebounds in the final quarter alone to lead the Elasto Painters to a victory over the NLEX Road Warriors.
Given Clarito’s expanding role, it is no surprise Rain or Shine signed him up for three more years.
The Gian Mamuyac Conundrum
With Clarito onboard long term, Rain or Shine can now turn its full focus to signing another key player—current team captain Gian Mamuyac. The four-year combo guard is among the league’s best two-way players, and the 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals he puts up from game to game is undeniable proof.
Unfortunately for the Elasto Painters, Mamuyac’s contract is set to expire in July, which means they are in a race against time to extend their team captain’s stay in Rain or Shine. So far, multiple reports say the two sides are working out a possible extension but remain apart on the terms.
Complicating negotiations is the supposed interest of various teams from overseas leagues, which Mamuyac could explore if he and Rain or Shine cannot reach a deal.
In such case, the Elasto Painters could be on the verge of losing a major piece to what may very well be a championship puzzle. But at least they kept one.
