We needed a guy who can play the four spot because that’s the position that we lack.

Rain or Shine is bringing in a familiar face to turn its fortune around in the ongoing Governors’ Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

After a sluggish start, the Elasto Painters decided to hire Kwame Alexander to replace Kayel Locke as new reinforcement in this season-ending conference.

Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia stressed their sense of urgency, saying that the energy and familiarity of Alexander will be a major boost to their campaign.

The 28-year-old Alexander is overflowing with experience.

After going undrafted in the 2013 NBA Rookie Draft, the 6-foot-5 dynamo trotted the globe, seeing action in Greece, Bosnia, Cyprus, South Korea, Finland, Thailand, Uruguay and Venezuela.

In 2015, he played for NLEX, posting an average of 20.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 blocks.

“We needed a guy who can play the four spot because that’s the position that we lack,” said Alexander, who was also featured in Episode 3 of the highly popular reality show Dunk King.

Alexander will be the Elasto Painters’ third import this season following Wright and Locke.

Garcia said he really admires what Locke brings on the table, but he struggled developing chemistry with the local crew composed of Beau Belga, Norbert Torres and Jewel Ponferada.

“He is a good import, but he’s simply not fit for us,” Garcia said.

“Since he arrived, we ere 0-3, but everything was close. At the end of the day, we were still losing. We need an import who can crash the glass because he’s more of a wing player.”

Garcia added that they need more rebounding.

“In the rebounding department, he’s averaging only 10. It’s okay, but it’s not yet enough,” said Garcia, adding that communication had been his problem with Locke.

“I guess we just have trouble communicating on the floor because he’s a quiet guy.”

Alexander will be making his debut when the Elasto Painters clash with Blackwater on 23 October.