PBA: Elasto Painters Winning Even Without Almazan

Raymond Almazan (PBA Images)
Raymond Almazan (PBA Images)

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have finally found their groove, scoring back-to-back wins in the PBA Governor’s Cup.

They first shocked defending champion Barangay Ginebra in Lucena City, 104-97 and then followed it up with a 120-98 demolition job of NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday. From the looks of it, head coach Caloy Garcia and company have finally gotten their act together despite not having Raymond Almazan.

The 6-foot-8 center who hails from Bataan continues to be a no-show. Reports initially claimed that Almazan was dealing with personal issues but there was apparently more for the hold-up. The belief is that the 29-year-old is not too happy with Garcia, something that has left the RoS head coach befuddled.

The latest on Almazan is that he will sit down with team management this weekend and hopefully put an end to the misunderstanding. Garcia, however, made it clear that even if things are ironed out, Almazan will have to work his way back into his rotation.

The professionalism of Almazan has been questioned, most especially since he is under contract. He is not in a barangay-level league and is getting paid big bucks to perform.

But somehow, the PBA players of today have been setting demands – outrageous in a sense that does not bode well to the younger generation. Before Almazan, Calvin Abueva had the same personal issues with the Alaska Aces and was eventually dealt to the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Terrence Romeo also had some issues in the past with most believing that he purposely sat out some games to send a message across.

As for Almazan, his absence has been remedied with the Painters now winning. It remains to be seen if he will be traded or not although his tantrums may harm his credibility in the end – at Rain or Shine or with any other team, assuming he is eventually dealt in a trade if things don’t end well.