Rain or Shine has brought a solid inside operator in veteran internationalist Jaylen Johnson as reinforcement for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup slated to begin next month.
Looking to take advantage in the mid-season tournament without a height limit for imports, the Elasto Painters tapped the 6-foot-9 power forward to add another muscle and ceiling down low.
Fresh from a stint with the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League, the 29-year-old University of Louisville product is a perfect fit for the young and hungry Rain or Shine, which looks to surpass its semifinals finish in the previous edition of the import-laden conference.
Action begins on 11 March.
“Six-foot-nine big man Jaylen Johnson joins us as our import for the upcoming Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. Fresh from the KBL’s Goyang Sono Skygunners and a product of Louisville, he’s ready to get things going,” the Elasto Painters announced Tuesday through their official social media account.
Johnson’s arrival will not only give Rain or Shine firepower but also a key piece in the frontline following the retirement of long-time forward Gabe Norwood at the conclusion of the Yeng Guiao-mentored squad’s Philippine Cup campaign.
Johnson, who went undrafted in the 2017 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, has played in clubs in Israel, Uruguay, Taiwan, Turkey, Bulgaria and Korea.
He also suited up for Windy City Bulls, Iowa Wolves and Motor City Cruise in the NBA G-League.
Rain or Shine reached the semifinals of Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup with American Deon Thompson as reinforcement.
The Elasto Painters fell victim to eventual champion TNT led by three-time Best Import winner Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in five games.
Rain or Shine seeks to return to the Final Four after its four-conference semis run ended in the season-opening all-Filipino contest.