Francis Escandor is still on cloud nine after signing his first PBA contract with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
The two-time PBA champion ballclub signed him to a one-year deal after drafting him 13th overall in the 2024 PBA Draft.
The proud native of Davao, who started as a benchwarmer and emerged as a finals hero for the De La Salle Green Archers in their UAAP Season 86 conquest, is excited to prove himself in Asia’s oldest professional league, starting with the Governor’s Cup this August.
“It really is a surreal feeling,” said Escandor. “It’s every little kid’s dream to play in the PBA, and I’m living it. I’m really just blessed to make it to the PBA.
“I’m grateful that ROS management gave me the deal and the opportunity to play for them. The negotiation went smoothly, and I’m more than happy with how things went. I’m just really excited to play for ROS.”
Making His Mark
In his final playing year, the Political Science graduate made his mark and left a legacy with La Salle in the UAAP. Amid many questions about why and how he landed a spot in the program’s lineup for years, the 6-foot-2 shooting guard became a hero during the Green Archers’ crucial matches against the UP Fighting Maroons.
Escandor broke out against the Fighting Maroons by scoring 11 points on 3-of-6 three-point shooting in the Green Archers’ 88-79 victory on November 5, 2023, in the second round of UAAP Season 86.
With La Salle’s championship hopes on the line, the Season 85 3×3 gold medalist led the Green Archers in game two of the finals by scoring 14 points behind 4-of-5 shooting. His rise from being a virtual unknown to a 3-and-D specialist reportedly caught the eyes of several PBA coaches following the Green Archers’ successful title run.
For his exponential growth, he is thankful to La Salle assistant coach Caloy Garcia, who is Rain or Shine’s lead assistant coach and a stalwart for the franchise.
“I’m really excited to be under Coach Caloy again,” said Escandor. “A lot of the things I learned from my senior year in Taft were from him. He really is a basketball guru, and to be reunited with him in the PBA, together with Coach Yeng Guiao — I really couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Proving Himself Again
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Rain or Shine is known for producing unheralded stars in the PBA, and the La Salle alumnus hopes to be the franchise’s next major find.
Under Guiao, the team has developed stars and won championships with players like Beau Belga, JR Quiñahan, and Jireh Ibañes, who each played at least 10 seasons in the PBA.
Just like in his early La Salle days, Escandor has to prove himself yet again. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Yes, Coach Yeng and I talked about my role in the team. He told me that things won’t be easy coming into the pros, especially with the talent and skill that our team has,” he said.
“Every day, I just need to put in the work, do the little things, and have great energy and the willingness to learn with the help of my coaches and teammates. I’m very much excited to play for ROS. It was really the team I wanted to play with because of how the culture and system were built. The atmosphere is great, and the overall aura makes basketball so much easier,” he added.
“With that said, I also want to win. I want to experience a championship with ROS and would do whatever the team wants me to do in order for us to achieve that goal.”
Facing Former Teammates
Escandor’s first test as an Elasto Painter will come in the next few days as Rain or Shine is set to participate in this year’s Kadayawan Invitational Tournament in his hometown of Davao.
Unlike previous editions, the tournament is mostly comprised of PBA teams, including Converge and Phoenix.
However, there is one collegiate team in the competition — La Salle.
Escandor is excited to go up against many of his former comrades in green, and he is motivated to repay his former coach Topex Robinson’s faith in him back when the chips were down in Season 86 by proving his worth to his new team.
“Yes, we certainly will. At first, it will probably feel very different being on the other side of La Salle, but I’m excited to share the hard court again with my college teammates and very much looking forward to giving Coach Topex a run for his money!”
