PBA: Rain or Shine filling void left by ‘hopeful leader’ Mamuyac

Rain or Shine forward Caelan Tiongson druing a game against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Caelan Tiongson believes the way Rain or Shine has filled the loss of Gian Mamuyac as a collective unit is causing the team’s turnaround from a 0-2 start in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The Elasto Painters pulled off a 110-99 win over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Tiongson putting up 21 points on five triples.

But Tiongson said he’s just one reason for the strong showing Rain or Shine is putting up recently.

“Mamu was such a big part of our team,” said Tiongson, referring to Mamuyac, who was shipped to Phoenix almost two weeks ago. “Losing Mamu created a kind of different air in the gym. He was a loud and hopeful leader for us.

READ: PBA: Yeng Guiao says Gian Mamuyac ‘still family’ even after trade

Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum shoots against Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“So it took us a couple of weeks to really adjust,” he continued. “And I think it takes effort from every single one of our guys. How one person is going to make up for the energy and leadership he brought. So we’re all kind of figuring it out now.”

Tiongson, who has taken over the captaincy role following Mamuyac’s trade to Phoenix, was also supported by Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito and rookie Deo Cuajao.

Nocum scored 13 points while dishing out 10 assists, Clarito had 13 points and seven rebounds while Cuajao, considered as someone who could fill Mamuyac’s role, dropped nine points in 16 minutes.

Luis Villegas and Mike Malonzo were also given ample minutes and responded with solid plays on both ends.

Rain or Shine dropped its first two games to Blackwater and Meralco before getting on the win column at the expense of Mamuyac and Phoenix last Tuesday.