Top 3 Big Men Rain or Shine Should Target After Injuries to Belga and Datu
With the PBA Philippine Cup heating up, Rain or Shine finds itself in a critical situation. The Elasto Painters are eyeing a playoff push, but two of their key frontcourt pieces — Beau Belga and Keith Datu — are sidelined due to injuries. Belga is currently battling vertigo, while Datu is nursing a calf strain. That’s a combined 12 feet and 465 pounds of toughness and skill out of the lineup — a devastating blow in a tournament known for bruising battles in the paint.
And let’s not forget, the Philippine Cup is practically the June Mar Fajardo Invitational — a conference dominated by interior battles. You simply can’t compete without size and strength.
So what should Rain or Shine do? Target big men. Now.
Here are the top 3 players they should look into acquiring to salvage their playoff hopes:
#3. James Laput (Magnolia Hotshots)
Despite Magnolia’s undefeated run, it’s puzzling that James Laput is only averaging 11 minutes per game. Standing 6-foot-10 and showing solid mobility, Laput has proven he can anchor a defense, set solid screens, and finish around the rim.
Coach Yeng Guiao loves project bigs who are willing to work, and Laput fits that mold. Rain or Shine should call Magnolia and see if a package of younger wings or future picks could tempt them to part ways with an underutilized asset.
He may be underrated now, but under Yeng’s system, Laput could turn into a valuable contributor.
#2. Moala Tautuaa (San Miguel Beermen)
There have been rumblings that Mo Tautuaa may be available — and this is where Rain or Shine needs to be aggressive. With San Miguel stacked in the frontcourt and Tautuaa seeing limited minutes behind Fajardo, the Elasto Painters could swoop in with a compelling trade.
If Rain or Shine dangles a name like Beau Belga (once healthy) — a veteran who could bring leadership and a unique skillset off San Miguel’s bench — they might just open the door for a one-for-one or a multi-player deal.
Tautuaa’s size, agility, and familiarity with a fast-paced system make him a plug-and-play piece for Coach Yeng.
#1. Jeo Ambohot (Meralco Bolts)
The most realistic and ideal target? Jeo Ambohot.
He’s a modern big who can stretch the floor, run in transition, and play help defense — exactly what Coach Yeng wants in his frontcourt. With Norbert Torres already soaking up big-man minutes for Meralco, and with Rain or Shine known for nurturing versatile forwards, this could be a win-win.
A potential offer involving a young wing or a role player could be enough to start a serious discussion with Meralco, especially if they’re looking to reshape their rotation.
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