Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Raymond Almazan enters new season rejuvenated: ‘Happy ako sa Rain or Shine, coaching staff’


For Raymond Almazan, there’s no reason for him to dwell on the past.

The 6-foot-8 center is all locked in to help his Rain or Shine Elasto Painters compete in the upcoming 44th season of the PBA, following the rough time he had in the previous edition of Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay basketball league.

Last season, Almazan was the talk of the town, but for the wrong reasons. He had gone AWOL and missed the majority of Rain or Shine’s campaign in the Governors’ Cup due to a reported misunderstanding between him and head coach Caloy Garcia.

The lanky cager later patched things up and showed up at the Elasto Painters’ camp weeks later, but the team ruled him out for the season. Rain or Shine ended their campaign in the season-ending conference with a 3-8 record.

“Happy ako sa team ko.

“Happy ako sa mga teammate ko, sa coaching staff. I’m just doing my job so yung mga nangyari last year past na yon, move forward na,” said Almazan during the first-ever PBA Media Day, Thursday at The Tent at Solaire Hotel and Casino.

Almazan – who has had a history of going AWOL ever since his Letran Knights days – said that he is excited to suit up and go to battle with his brothers–in-arms in the Philippine Cup, as he wants to make things up with his team.

“Siyempre [gusto kong makabawi] especially sa team, sa management kasi nakakahiya yung ganung pangyayari,” he said.

“Excited talaga ako maglaro.”

The field for the upcoming season has become a lot stronger, with teams such as reigning, four-time conference champs San Miguel Beermen stacking their roster further. Almazan is aware of it, but he assured RoS is ready.

#ReadMore  Paul Lee recalls series of events that led to James Yap trade

“Ngayon ang daming malalakas na team. Pero ready kami,” he said.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito took turns in helping Rain or Shine finish off Phoenix, 109-99, to move closer in clinching a quarterfinal berth...

Basketball

With their frontline depleted, Rain or Shine turned to Batangas Tanduay for reinforcements. Kris Porter is making his return to the PBA after signing...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – TNT leaned on its star troika in stopping the surging Rain or Shine from its tracks, 111-103, for its fourth successive victory...

Basketball

Rain or Shine dealt Magnolia its first loss of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup following a 119-105 statement win at the Ynares Center...

Basketball

Paul Lee went on a heater run in the fourth quarter to help Magnolia finish strong against Meralco, 117-92, and stretch their unbeaten run...

Basketball

Roger Pogoy came alive in the fourth quarter as TNT left Meralco a frustrated bunch, 101-84, to continue turning the corner in its PBA...

Basketball

Keith Datu played under restricted minutes on Wednesday, yet there was no denying how much of a difference he could be when he’s on...

Basketball

Adrian Nocum sparked the breakaway as Rain or Shine frustrated Blackwater, 120-106, to regain its winning ways in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup,...

Advertisement