Andrei Caracut is emerging as the top gunner of Rain or Shine in the Commissioner's Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Caracut said his inspired performance is his way of repaying the faith given to him by Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao.

In nine games, the former De La Salle University star averaged 15.67 points while also dishing out 5.22 assists per game, making him the leading scorer and top facilitator of the Rain or Shine squad that is making a run after a slow start in the season-ending conference.

"It's a tribute to the trust being given to me by Coach Yeng Guiao and the coaching staff," Caracut told DAILY TRIBUNE in a telephone conversation.

"I've never imagined that I will be given such responsibilities, but I am more into repaying the trust being given to me."

Caracut said he saw his huge role coming as early as the off-season.

"When we were competing in the off-season, I've noticed how Coach Yeng was putting so much trust in me by using me as a closer," he said.

The trust that Guiao pinned on him spilled over all the way to the new season as the changing of the guards had taken place with Caracut presiding a key role.

Caracut has been dominating the guard rotation, seeing action for 27 minutes ahead of Rey Nambatac, Gabe Norwood, Adrian Nocum and Anton Asistio.

Selected 24th overall by the Elasto Painters in this year's Rookie Draft, Nocum has also been producing quality minutes, averaging close to nine points per game as he and Caracut had been the dynamic duo in the backcourt for Guiao.

Caracut said he was amazed at how his teammates have developed, including Jhonard Clarito, who was a benchwarmer before being given a key role in their rotation.

"Jhonard Clarito, we were even laughing at him during practices, but you could tell how he really works hard and good things happened when you work hard," Caracut said, referring to Clarito, who finished with 16 points in their 116-105 win over Terrafirma last 23 December.

"Now, he's beginning to dominate the practices and Coach Yeng was able to notice that."

"You can see the future of this team, young players being given bigger responsibilities like Keith Datu and Adrian Nocum, but we still need the guidance of our big brothers like Kuya Beau (Belga), Kuya James (Yap), Kuya Gabe and Kuya Mark (Borboran)," Caracut said.

"But the future looks bright as we young players are going to grow together."