Caelan Tiongson is officially an Elasto Painter.
The well-travelled forward is all set to enter the PBA arena after inking a three-year deal with Rain or Shine, the ball club announced via social media Sunday.
He was accompanied by agent Marvin Espiritu in the signing that took place in Davao as the team is presently competing in the Kadayawan Invitational.
Also present were Rain or Shine alternate governor Edison Oribiana, as well as head coach Yeng Guiao and lead assistant Caloy Garcia.
With this, the Elasto Painters have signed three of their picks from the recent Draft after previously closing deals with Felix Lemetti and Ef Escandor.
Drafted eighth overall, Lemetti was signed to a three-year contract while 13th overall selection Escandor was given a one-year pact.
Now, the team has its seventh overall pick in the fold following the signing, coming in with high expectations given his experience pre-PBA.
(C) Strong Group
“We’re expecting him to be a leader since he’s been a veteran for some years playing around the world,” Guiao said in a previous interview.
Tiongson has been awaited by some PBA teams since impressing in the ASEAN Basketball League, first with Chong Son Kung Fu and then Alab Piilipinas.
The 32-year-old retired from the game back in 2019 but came back two years later, when he signed with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan.
The Biola University product then went back to the Philippines to play for Strong Group in the 43rd Jones Cup, eventually declaring himself eligible for the Draft.
His stint with SGA in Taiwan, which culminated with a championship, was the reason why he wasn’t able to discuss matters and sign with RoS right away.
But now, both camps can focus on the new PBA season ahead, which commences in August, after coming to terms and putting pen to paper.
