Mac Belo is set to join Rain or Shine as Meralco has reached a one-on-one trade agreement involving Norbert Torres. The PBA approved the deal on Thursday, making Rain or Shine Belo's third PBA team after his three-year stint with the Bolts. Belo, a 30-year-old winger from Far Eastern University, was originally drafted by Blackwater in the Gilas Pilipinas special draft in 2016. He was later traded to Meralco in 2021 but had limited playing time, participating in only 42 games across five conferences before taking a leave of absence in the previous Governors' Cup.
Belo will now have the opportunity to play under coach Yeng Guiao for the first time, while Torres bids farewell to Rain or Shine after five years with the team. The 6-foot-6 big man averaged 6.6 points on 50-percent shooting and 1.7 rebounds in nine games during the 2023 Governors' Cup. This trade marks Torres' fifth team in his eight-year professional career.
Meralco expressed gratitude for Belo's contributions and expressed excitement about acquiring the services of 33-year-old Torres. In a statement, the team thanked Belo and wished him success in his future endeavors. They also welcomed Torres to the Meralco Bolts family, believing that he will have a positive impact on the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Bolts recently made changes to their coaching staff, promoting Luigi Trillo as head coach and naming Norman Black as team consultant. The next PBA season is scheduled to open after the FIBA World Cup 2023, from August 25 to September 10.
Fans were quick to assume that Rain or Shine wins this exchange because they are familiar with the greatness of coach Yeng Guiao in developing talent.
The reality is, it is not a straight line thing. Coach Yeng is not 100% in terms of developing players. He is the best but it is not a guarantee.
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