With the thrill and experience it gained in the previous all-Filipino conference and with import Jai Lewis back, things are looking bright for Rain or Shine in the season-ending PBA Fiesta Cup.
Lewis, a 6-foot-5 wide-bodied power forward, was tapped anew after he helped power the talented but young Elasto Painters to the semis of the same conference last year – the franchise’s best finish since it joined the PBA in 2007.
Lewis, 27, was the first among the imports to arrive early and had the opportunity to practice for a month with Rain or Shine players, including former George Mason University teammate Gabe Norwood, the Rookie of the Year last season, and sophomore playmakers Sol Mercado and TY Tang.
Though they failed to contend for the coveted championship in the previous Philippine Cup, the team owned by Raymund Yu and Terry Que was able to push eventual Philippine Cup champion Purefoods to the limit in their best-of-five quarterfinal series.
Actually, they had a chance to win the series but a blunder by Eddie Laure in Game 2 cost them a lot.
Yu and Que, however, were satisfied with what their boys achieved as they advanced to the quarters as wildcard survivors.
“We really gained something last conference. Add to that the experience we had in the Fiesta Cup last season. We’re very optimistic and we’re hoping that we can make it to the semis again. A finals stint would be a big bonus,” said Yu.
Que, on the other hand, said that though the team is relatively young, their athleticism and desire will their lethal weapon.
“If we could match our semifinals finish last year, we would be happy. But as long as they persevered just like our company’s motto, we’ll always welcome that,” said Que.
“But we have to play with lots of passion.”
Lewis put up solid numbers last season with 20.3 points, 15.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 shot blocks.
The Caloy Garcia-mentored team opens its campaign in the Fiesta Cup on Friday against Talk ’N Text at the Astrodome in Pasay City.
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