The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters were already missing the services of Jericho Cruz, Jay Washington, and Jireh Ibanes on Wednesday evening. And to add to their woes, their ace big man Raymond Almazan did not suit up in their game against the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
But the 6-foot-8 big man, who missed the last two Gilas practices, was not injured. He had figured in a soft confrontation with head coach Caloy Garcia during their game against the Globalport Batang Pier last January 12.
“Hindi kasi nakapag-practice the last two days so sabi namin pahinga na lang muna. Actually, after the loss against Global, medyo nagka-anuhan lang kami but I think everything is good right now,” said Garcia after Rain or Shine’s 120-99 against Phoenix.
“Well siyempre, frustration.”
During their 70-78 loss against Globalport, Almazan shot just 1-for-5 from the field, finishing with just two points, four rebounds, and three turnovers.
“We know that he can perform better than the way he did against Global,” pointed out the second-year head coach. “Actually I told Raymond before the start of this season that one of my goals was to basically make him a double-double player. Yun yung target ko nung simula.
“But the way he played against Global, I felt that it wasn’t Raymond.”
The rest of the Elasto Painters are confident that the two will get the chance to settle things.
“I’m positive that would be resolved and we just have to hold the fort. I think we’ll be okay,” said Tiu, who is one of Rain or Shine’s leaders.
“Hopefully, the guys can step up and when Raymond’s back we’ll be even stronger.”
Garcia hopes that Almazan understands that this is just part of the game. Moreover, he just wants what’s best for the five-year veteran.
“So ayun, medyo napagalitan, nagkatampuhan but that’s it. I think kasama naman sa trabaho namin yun eh.”
