Rain or Shine is looking for a versatile import when it sees action in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup.

Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao yesterday said they want to be reinforced by somebody who can play on both ends of the floor and could provide energy in the paint and the perimeter.

"We don't need an import who is ball dominant," Guiao told Daily Tribune in a telephone conversation.

"What we need from an import is someone who can step out and knock down treys but, at the same time, help us out in the interior because we're such a small team."
Guiao and the Elasto Painters are set to finalize their shortlist of candidates this weekend.

'We don't need an import who is ball dominant.'

"Either Friday or Saturday, we'll be able to finalize it."

Under Guiao, the Elasto Painters had formally returned to playoffs after missing the quarterfinals for two straight conferences.

But they ran into a powerful Bay Area squad, prompting them to crash out of the playoffs of the ongoing Commissioner's Cup.

Guiao said their return to the playoffs is a sign of progress and they expect to further improve moving forward.

"It's an indication that the team is getting to know the system more, but at the same time, I'm also learning from my players more," added Guiao, the seven-time league champion coach who guided the Elasto Painters to two titles and several finals trips.

Rain or Shine brought in Ryan Pearson, a replacement import, who took over the spot of Steve Taylor Jr. in the Commissioner's Cup.

But Pearson, who came from the same school that Gabe Norwood attended — George Mason University — and eligible to play in the Governors' Cup, failed to make an impression, prompting Rain or Shine to look for another reinforcement.