Rain or Shine is moving on from Steve Taylor, Jr.
The Elasto Painters are bringing in Ryan Pearson to be their new import for the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the ball club announced Monday.
The 32-year-old American will now be the team’s third reinforcement for the mid-season conference after Taylor and Daniel Ochefu.
It could be remembered that Ochefu was the original choice until Yeng Guiao came back into the organization, ultimately leading to the switch.
Decent was the 6-foot-9 Taylor numbers-wise but the straightforward mentor hinted at a change as he wanted to get more from him.
That came after the Toledo product finished with only a PBA career-low 16 points and 19 rebounds in a loss to Phoenix last October 26.
Taylor, though, bounced back by delivering in the clutch to help beat NorthPort just last Friday. He was back to his usual ways with 20 and 16.
Despite his big plays down the stretch, Guiao did not guarantee whatsoever that the Chicago native’s job is secured as they ‘constantly assess’ matters.
Now, RoS has decided to let go of Taylor after seven games, where he averaged 20.0 points, 16.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals.
He only played that many matches as he missed their game against TNT last October 15 after being placed under health and safety protocols.
Taking over his spot is Pearson, who is bringing with him a wealth of experience from pro stints in Ukraine, Israel, Belgium, Hungary, France, and Puerto Rico.
The 4-4 Elasto Painters, though, are taking a road less traveled with him in tow as the 10-year pro out of George Mason University is listed at 6-foot-6.
Barring any hitch, Pearson will make his debut against guest team Bay Area on Friday, November 11, 3 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
