The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are doubling down on youth. Ahead of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup kickoff on March 11, the team officially signed three recent draftees—Jun Roque, Deo Cuajao, and Joshua David—to one-year deals.
While injecting fresh talent into a roster is standard operating procedure for a Yeng Guiao-led squad, these specific signings have raised more than a few eyebrows among the ROS faithful.
The Logjam: Why More Wings and Guards?
Perhaps the most mind-boggling aspect of these signings is the position of the players involved. Rain or Shine is already a team brimming with perimeter talent. Between the veteran leadership of Stanley Pringle and Andrei Caracut, and the energetic play of Adrian Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, and Jhonard Clarito, the Elasto Painters’ backcourt and wing rotation is arguably the deepest in the league.
Adding Jun Roque (a versatile 6'2" wing), Joshua David (a savvy guard), and Deo Cuajao (a specialist shooter) creates a massive logjam.
The Surplus: With nearly 10 players capable of playing the 1 through 3 spots, finding consistent minutes will be a nightmare.
The Missing Piece: Fans have long pointed out that the team's true vulnerability lies in its frontcourt depth. While Beau Belga remains a force, the team often struggles against the league's dominant bigs. Doubling down on "small-ball" talent when the interior remains thin is a high-risk gamble that many find difficult to decipher.
The Shooting Pedigree of Deo Cuajao
Among the trio of newcomers, Deo Cuajao stands out as the most intriguing addition. While Roque brings athleticism and David brings playmaking, Cuajao brings a specialized skill that is the ultimate currency in modern basketball: pure shooting.
Cuajao’s pedigree as a marksman is well-documented:
The Letran Spark: During his time with the Knights, he was a nightmare for defenses in catch-and-shoot situations, famously dropping 34 points in a single NCAA contest.
Volume and Efficiency: Cuajao averaged over two triples per game in his final collegiate season, often acting as the gravity that opened up the floor for his teammates.
In a Yeng Guiao system that prioritizes spacing and green lights from beyond the arc, Cuajao’s "ranged lethality" could be his ticket to the rotation. If he can translate his college shooting percentages to the pros, he won't just be another body in the backcourt—he’ll be a tactical weapon.
An Unexpected Run?
Coach Yeng Guiao has always been a master of "chaos" and high-rotation basketball. By stockpiling guards and wings, he may be looking to implement a full-court, high-pressure style that wears opponents down through sheer numbers.
Whether this surplus of talent leads to a cohesive unit or a frustrated bench remains to be seen. One thing is certain: with Cuajao’s shooting and the raw potential of Roque and David, the Elasto Painters are betting that their "small" revolution will lead to big results.
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