E-Painters face ‘good problem’

Rain or Shine is facing a "good problem" as it marches to the Philippine Basketball Association Annual Rookie Draft on Sunday at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig.

Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao said they are making the third and fourth selections while bracing for the return of veteran gunner James Yap, which their team owner, Raymund Yu, branded as a good problem entering the new season.

Guiao admitted that they are seriously looking at drafting Christian David after having him join their training a few days ago.

"He's a legitimate 6-foot-6 who plays the wing position," Guiao told Daily Tribune.

"He's very talented and there's so much upside."

Aside from working out with the Elasto Painters, David, who played for Butler University in the United States, didn't participate in the Draft Combine and requested to join team workouts instead and the Elasto Painters coaching staff was impressed with what they saw.

But drafting him comes with a risk as he had already undergone two surgeries on his anterior cruciate ligament.

Guiao said they are not rushing to come up with a decision as they are also looking at other big names in the 128-player draft pool.

Tipped to be taken early are Filipino-American Stephen Holt, Keith Datu, Brandon Bates, Zavier Lucero, Luis Villegas, Schonny Winston, Ken Tuffin, Archie Concepcion and Ricci Rivero.

Guiao said having the third and fourth picks will be a "good problem" for them.

"That's how Boss Raymond called it," Guiao said.

"Of course, he had his presences, but at the end of the day, he's leaving it all up to us. We haven't made a final decision yet and it will be that way until Sunday a few hours before Draft Day."

He added that the return of Yap excites him the most.