E-Painters breakthru - a master stroke

Manila, Philippines -  It’s a tale that will surely go down in the history of the pro league. A Sunday to remember before a jampacked 22,000 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when Rain or Shine finally reigned as champ.

It was a dream come true for longtime friends and business partners Raymond Yu and Terry Que – playing for the PBA crown in one final game and emerging triumphant before thousands of screaming basketball fans.

“We really dreamt of that moment,” Yu told The STAR.

Yu and Que were locked in a joyous embrace as the final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the Elasto Painters’ chase for the elusive first PBA crown.

They captured their first title at their first crack at it, six years after joining the league.

“It didn’t come overnight. We took it piece by piece to complete the winning formula, realizing the dream,” said Yu, the morning after the great evening they capped with a victory bash with their fans and supporters at Edsa Shangri-La.

Yu shared with The STAR what he thought were the biggest factors keying their breakthrough triumph.

First and foremost is coach Yeng Guiao: “More than the coaching, the technical aspects and his great motivation, he gave us the identity and character. Everybody is saying we’re tough, physical and don’t back down against anybody. Coach Yeng gave us that.”

Second, the players’ willingness to accept their roles: “We don’t have a Mark Caguioa or a James Yap. Maybe there’s Paul Lee but that remains to be seen. What we have are players who are all free to shoot if they’re open.”

Third, sorry exit in the Philippine Cup: “We lost a Game Seven to Powerade in the semis. We’re hurt by that experience and we kept that in mind. We don’t want to experience that again. We used that as a driving force.”

Fourth, semifinal round struggle: “After a dominant run in the elims, we took sometime in the semis to get the magic number that would bring us to the finals. It proved to be a blessing, toughening us up in the championship.”

Fifth, the players’ desire and determination: “When the championship seemed to be slipping away, they took it upon themselves to talk to one another. Without the management and the coaching staff, they sat down in a meeting initiated by team captain Jireh Ibanes, TY Tang, Ryan Arana and Gabe Norwood. They decided let us win this for those who believe in us. Let’s win this for ourselves, our families.”

Sixth, Jamelle Cornley: “He’s perfect fit for us. He didn’t displace anybody in our rotation, and he fitted perfectly in coach Yeng’s system.” 

Seventh, Gabe Norwood asserting himself in Game Seven: “It’s not about his points but the many other things he can do. He’s long and quick and can match up with anybody. He put that on the table in Game Seven.”

Eighth, Jeff Chan’s emergence as a steady shooter: A trade acquisition by ROS, the former FEU stalwart has become a force to reckon with, shining bright in their title run. He was rewarded with the Most Improved Player plum and the Finals MVP award.

Ninth, able coaching staff: “Our coaches (Guiao and assistants Caloy Garcia, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion and Roehl Nadurata) have good working relationship, and they work hard. Coach Caloy volunteered to step down and suggested that we get coach Yeng. So the entry of coach Yeng was very smooth especially as coach Caloy idolizes him.”

Tenth, maturity of big men Beau Belga, JR Quinahan and Jervy Cruz: “They’re what we call extra rice centers. They stepped up and provided us the toughness we needed at the paint.”

“We dared to dream and we accomplished. Now, we’ll dare to win more championships,” Yu said.