Mac Belo will have at least a year to show his true potential as he formally signed a one-year contract with Rain or Shine in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Elasto Painters team executive Jireh Ibañez broke the news to Daily Tribune, saying that the former Far Eastern University star had finally inked a contract that will make him eligible to see action in the Commissioner's Cup starting 15 October.
Belo, a former Most Valuable Player in the University Athletic Association, joined Rain or Shine from Meralco in a trade with big man Norbert Torres two weeks ago.
He had his first practice with the Elasto Painters yesterday and will be in uniform when they face Phoenix Super LPG in the PBA On Tour on Friday.
"The coaches were happy with what they saw," Ibañez said in an online exchange.
Belo joined the league full of promise following a solid campaign in the UAAP.
He was drafted by Blackwater as the top overall pick in the special Gilas draft but was hampered with various injuries before being shipped to Meralco.
With the Bolts, Belo was hardly utilized as he was slowed by injuries, prompting him to lose his minutes to Allein Maliksi, Alvin Pasaol, Cliff Hodge, Reymar Jose, Bong Quinto and even veteran Reynel Hugnatan.
More than that, his spot was taken over by imports during the Commissioner's Cup and Governors' Cup.
But at Rain or Shine, Belo gets a fresh start with seasoned tactician Yeng Guiao as head coach.
"We will be lenient in our approach with Mac. We want to get him the feel of the team. We're not going to rush him," Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, who has been eyeing Belo as early as two years ago when he was still the general manager and head coach of NLEX, said.
"Reviving his career will depend on him, but we will give him the chance, the opportunity to revive his career, get his confidence back. The rest, it will really all depend on him."