PBA Free Agency: Rain or Shine gave a 3-years extension to Malonzo, because?

 

Rain or Shine’s Investment in Mike Malonzo Reveals Yeng Guiao’s Long-Term Vision

Rain or Shine is playing the long game — and Mike Malonzo is at the heart of it.

The Elasto Painters recently signed the 25-year-old forward to a three-year contract extension, a bold vote of confidence that underscores the franchise’s belief in his future. Originally drafted 16th overall in the Season 49 PBA Draft, Malonzo was only inked to a short-term deal until the end of the Philippine Cup. But even before the conference has wrapped up, the team decided they had already seen enough.

The man behind the decision? None other than Coach Yeng Guiao, who has made it clear: Malonzo has all the tools to become Rain or Shine’s next breakout star.

“May potential ‘yung bata,” said Guiao. “Kita naman namin sa practice na masipag siya, may physical asset siya, matigas ang katawan niya.”

Malonzo, a product of National University and San Juan Knights in the MPBL, is being groomed as a possible next version of Jhonard Clarito, who rose from relative obscurity to become last season’s Most Improved Player. Clarito’s meteoric rise came from consistent hustle, toughness, and versatility — traits Guiao is now seeing in Malonzo.

Standing 6-foot-2, Malonzo plays with a confidence that sometimes borders on reckless, but Guiao sees it as an asset, not a liability.

“He doesn’t back down. Buo ang loob niya. Minsan, dahil buo ang loob niya, nagkakamali siya. Pero correctable ‘yun… Mas gusto ko na ‘yung malakas ang loob kaysa mahina ang loob.”

The strategy is clear: sign Malonzo to a secure contract now, develop him under a controlled environment, and unleash him with more minutes as the season progresses. It’s a classic Guiao move — identify grit and fearlessness first, then fine-tune the decision-making and polish the skillset.

In his last two games this Philippine Cup, Malonzo has averaged 18+ minutes, posting solid all-around numbers including 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals in their game against NorthPort. The playing time bump is no coincidence — it's part of the plan.

Coach Yeng calls Malonzo a “two-way player,” a guy who can contribute on both ends of the floor, and someone worth investing in — not just for this season, but for the Elasto Painters’ long-term core.

With a coach like Guiao guiding his development, and a franchise willing to bet on his growth, Mike Malonzo might just be Rain or Shine’s next big win.

And if it all works out, this early extension won’t just be smart — it’ll look like a masterstroke.