MANILA — The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters look to seize the solo lead in the 2025 PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup as they return to action this week against a hungry contender determined to break into the upper ranks.
Currently tied with the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots and TNT Tropang 5G at 4-1, the Elasto Painters are riding on strong momentum built through solid team play and disciplined defense — a hallmark of coach Yeng Guiao’s system. A victory in their upcoming matchup would give them the outright top spot in the standings, setting the tone early in the All-Filipino Conference.
Guiao, known for his fiery coaching style, praised his team’s resilience but reminded his players to stay focused. “We’ve been consistent so far, but it’s still a long way to go,” he said. “Every game is an opportunity to improve and show that we can sustain this level.”
Rain or Shine’s recent success has been anchored by the steady play of veterans Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga, alongside the continued emergence of young guns like Santi Santillan and Adrian Nocum. Their balanced offense and collective defense have kept opponents on their heels, allowing the team to close out tight games.
Adding to their strength, veteran guard Solomon Pringle is expected to make his season debut. The 38-year-old playmaker, who brings championship experience and leadership, is anticipated to bolster the Elasto Painters’ backcourt depth and provide stability in clutch situations.
Meanwhile, Magnolia and TNT — the two other teams sharing the top record — are also seeking to sustain their impressive runs. Magnolia, led by Paul Lee and Calvin Abueva, remains one of the toughest defensive units, while TNT continues to thrive behind the explosive play of Mikey Williams and Poy Erram.
The race for early supremacy in the Philippine Cup is heating up, with no clear favorite emerging so far. For Rain or Shine, however, the next game could be pivotal — a chance to assert dominance and send a message to the rest of the league that their strong start is no fluke.
As the elimination round progresses, fans can expect tighter matchups and even more intense competition, but for now, all eyes are on the Elasto Painters as they aim to paint the standings in their colors — alone at the top.
