Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao has high hopes for the Elasto Painters despite an early exit in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup playoffs.

Guiao would like to believe that Rain or Shine has nowhere to go but up.

“Looking at our trend, our direction is still going up,” the fiery Elasto Painters mentor said.

Rain or Shine fell short of advancing into the semifinals of the all-Filipino conference after squandering a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage against Meralco.

The Elasto Painters were eliminated, 98-89, last week, snapping a four-game straight streak of Final Four appearances.

Still, Guiao saw more of his team’s positives.   

“The more important thing to me is the team remains competitive, its potential and upside are very bright,” he said.

“So, we preferred to look at it as along the way there’s going to be some trials, tribulations, and some obstacles,” Guiao added.

Rain or Shine had a great run in the elimination round and landed at the No. 2 spot for the quarters incentive.

However, the Elasto Painters struggled against the defense of the Bolts. Rain or Shine missed the semis for the first time since the 2023-2024 Commissioner’s Cup.

Guiao is now looking forward to a better ending in the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup.

“We’re trending up. But when you trend up, there’s going to be some dips along the way. But after that, you’re still going to trend up. And that’s still a good situation for us,” Guiao said.

Rain or Shine has a long preparation time with the import-laden tournament set to start on 11 March.