Rain or Shine locks in Mamuyac, Ildefonso, and Clarito with contracts

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Rain or Shine Elastopainters immediately made sure they will secure their newly-drafted PBA rookies after rewarding them with their respective contracts.

Former Ateneo Blue Eagles team captain Gian Mamuyac, former National University superstar and son of the legendary Danny Ildefonso, Shaun, and veteran guard Jhonard Clarito are expected to deliver right away for the upcoming PBA conference.

It was Rain or Shine basketball operations head Caloy Garcia who announced the development and said that all three rookies signed two-year contracts with the team.

Mamuyac, who failed to win the UAAP championship title after losing to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, is looking to get a shot at redemption in the big boys’ league after getting drafted fifth overall in the first round.

Known to be a lockdown defender, Mamuyac expanded his playstyle under the tutelage of former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin and added a more consistent three-point shot to his game.

Meanwhile, Ildefonso, a proven all-around player and the heart and soul of the NU Bulldogs, was chosen 10th overall by the ROS franchise.

The addition of Ildefonso will add more physicality to Rain or Shine and will have the luxury to learn from the veteran bruiser Beau Belga in his first two years in the league.

Clarito, Rain or Shine’s fifth pick during the second round, will add more depth to their backcourt pool and is already a battle-tested veteran throughout the years.

The crafty point guard was a staple member of the San Juan Knights in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and was part of the team during their championship run.

Aside from his experience in the MPBL, Clarito also showed promise in his stint with San Juan during the FilBasket tournament by former PBA player Jai Reyes.

“Our owners and upper management were emphatic in continuing to add players to our roster that were not only highly talented, but known to display great character as well,” said head coach Chris Gavina.