Yeng Guiao is at it again, it seems. Known for turning diamonds in the rough into either stars or solid players in the PBA, Guiao appears to have not one, not two, but four rookies who could potentially be real contributors to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters: Christian Manaytay, Jude Roque, Deo Cuajao, and Josh David.
Manaytay got his baptism of fire the earliest among these Rain or Shine rookies, making his debut in the Philippine Cup. And the 10th pick of the Season 50 PBA Draft seems to have impressed Guiao, who appears to be expecting even more from the left big man.
“Actually, si Christian Manaytay, we’re very happy with what we’ve seen. I think once he gets a little bit more acclimatized or familiarized with the PBA style, he will get into his comfort zone,” Guiao told Rebanse in an exclusive interview after Rain or Shine practice.
Rain or Shine Rookies Too Good Not to Sign
Manaytay, though, isn’t the only one who appears to have impressed one of the PBA’s premier talent evaluators. Guiao looks to be equally high on Roque (12th pick), Cuajao (22nd), and David (24th)—so much so that he had them all signed up.
“We’re also excited for our three rookies, Jude Roque, Deo Cuajao, and Josh David,” Guiao added. “Actually, we were not planning to take or sign up all three of them because it’s really tight. Our slots are really filled up. But we could not let them go. When we saw them, we thought we might be able to sign up one or two of them. But we saw them in practice for weeks… So, we signed all of them. We’ll just try to find ways or try to find slots for them.”
Manaytay, a versatile big, has earned his keep already. On Tuesday, in Rain or Shine’s 151-95 thrashing of the Blackwater Bossing, Cuajao, Roque, and David showed there is, indeed, reason to be excited. Cuajao got the start and fired 15 markers while showing a smooth stroke from deep. Roque, meanwhile, added 13 off the bench and displayed some impressive hops and athleticism. David chipped in 4 points of his own, also off the bench.
Guiao Hopes Rain or Shine Rookies Prove Him Right
Admittedly, a few games constitute a small sample size. Nonetheless, Guiao is liking what he’s seeing in these Rain or Shine rookies, whom he believes “have potential.” And he and Rain or Shine are willing to invest in them.
“We saw that they were able to contribute to the improvement of the team, and we hope that our investment in them will provide dividends for us…” Guiao said of the four Rain or Shine rookies. “It’s going to be a question of how well they can adapt… I think it’s worth the risk. It’s worth our investment in developing these players.”
Can these Rain or Shine rookies—Manaytay, Roque, Cuajao, and David—prove Guiao right?you
