The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters went winless in a short tuneup trip to Bahrain but coach Caloy Garcia believes the team got what it needed out of the set of games.
The Elasto Painters dropped a 96-91 decision to Manama in the first of their two-game Bahrain-Philippines Goodwill Basketball Games last week. The Elasto Painters ran into Manama import Wayne Chism, a familiar face as Rain or Shine's former import.
Rain or Shine then dropped a game to Muharraq Club, 67-63.
"It was a good experience for our bigs who had to find ways to defend bigger imports aside from Wayne Chism. In our second game, our opponent had three imports," Garcia told ESPN5.
Gabe Norwood and Maverick Ahanmisi didn't join the team for the trip. Rookies Jvee Mocon and Jay Alejandro got the opportunity for extended minutes.
"I like the way Javee played because he's so aggressive," Garcia said. Mocon brings big-game experience as a former member of the San Beda team that won the last three NCAA men's basketball titles.
Alejandro played steadily at the point guard position against the host teams. But Garcia admitted the No. 8 overall pick in the 2018 PBA Draft will have to battle for playing time in ROS' guard-heavy roster.
Garcia sees incoming third-year pro Ed Daquioag as potentially succeeding veteran Chris Tiu, while Kris Rosales will also have a chance to fill Tiu's role.
"We never closed the door on Chris until he says he's retiring. But for now, we are focusing on what we have," Garcia said.
Tiu has yet to formally announce his retirement.