Should Rain or Shine Seek Frontcourt Reinforcements After Belga’s Health Scare?
Veteran big man Beau Belga has been cleared to return to action following a health scare during Rain or Shine’s recent game against TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup. While the news brings relief to the team and fans alike, it also sparks an important question: Should Rain or Shine now explore a trade or addition to shore up their frontcourt depth?
Belga, 38, experienced a dizzy spell in the second quarter of their 111-103 loss to TNT, leading to an early exit. Fortunately, after undergoing medical evaluation, all tests came back clear. According to head coach Yeng Guiao, Belga’s doctor has cleared him to play, but the team is opting for caution and will allow the veteran to rest further before making a return.
“All tests indicate everything is okay,” said Guiao. “His doctor cleared him to play. But to be safe, we will rest him till he feels ready.”
Belga had previously dealt with vertigo and astigmatism earlier in the tournament, even appearing in goggles against Magnolia. These recurring health concerns highlight that while his experience and leadership are irreplaceable, his physical availability can no longer be guaranteed game-to-game.
Thin Frontline Already a Concern
Even with Belga on the floor, Rain or Shine’s frontline has often been undersized compared to powerhouses like San Miguel Beer or Ginebra, which feature dominant interior presences like June Mar Fajardo and Christian Standhardinger.
With Keith Datu also sidelined earlier in the conference, the Elasto Painters' rotation has leaned heavily on younger, less tested bigs. While players like Jhonard Clarito and Santi Santillan have shown flashes, they are more tweener forwards than true post defenders or rim protectors.
In a tournament like the Philippine Cup, where import reinforcements are absent and the physicality is ramped up, having a reliable and durable bigman rotation is non-negotiable for legitimate contenders.
Should Rain or Shine Make a Move?
The answer is becoming clearer: Yes.
While Belga’s return is positive, his health status underlines the urgency for Rain or Shine to plan for the future. Relying on a 38-year-old center, no matter how skilled or experienced, is a risky long-term strategy — especially in a playoff hunt.
Coach Guiao and the Rain or Shine management would be wise to explore:
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Trade opportunities for a younger, defensive-minded bigman.
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Free agent signings, possibly targeting released or overlooked PBA talent.
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Scouting lower-tier leagues, including MPBL or overseas Filipinos, for hidden gems.
Final Thought
Rain or Shine has built a reputation as a hard-nosed, overachieving team under Yeng Guiao. But they cannot afford to be caught unprepared if Belga’s health issues resurface, especially in the brutal wars of the Philippine Cup playoffs.
Now is the time to act — either through trade or free agency — to add fresh muscle to the middle. Because while Beau Belga remains a beloved presence, even the toughest warriors eventually need backup.
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