After a heartbreaking end to their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup campaign, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are looking to bring back a familiar face to lift them up.
Head coach Caloy Garcia disclosed on Sunday evening that they have three imports in mind whom they will tap for the middle conference.
“We have three names, pero we’ll talk about it kasi we want to bring him as early as possible,” said Garcia after Rain or Shine’s tough 60-63 overtime, Game Seven loss to Magnolia.
Their leading candidate is Reggie Johnson.
The 6-foot-10, 290-pound behemoth out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina was the Elasto Painters’ only import last year.
Johnson averaged 23.18 points, 17.18 rebounds, 3.91 assists, and 1.45 blocks. He powered Rain or Shine to the top seed with a 9-2 record. However, Ginebra eliminated Rain or Shine in the semifinals, 3-1.
The 29-year-old has yet to play in a competitive league since his stint in the PBA, though. Moreover, Garcia has made adjustments to his system, making it more up-tempo compared to last season.
Given this, they are still pondering whether they would bring Johnson back.
“But we have to decide what type of import do we want, if we want someone who is quick or if we want a big. ‘Yun ‘yung pagaaralan muna namin tonight which import are we gonna get.”
