REYNALD MAGALLON

Mac Belo is determined to repay the trust and patience of Rain or Shine as he tries to relaunch his career with his new team.

Belo finally made his debut for the Elasto Painters in their 100-92 win over San Miguel where he contributed five points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field along with four rebounds, three assists and a block in 16 minutes of play.

Although understandably showing signs of rusts after going into sabbatical for a couple months before he got traded from Meralco to Rain or Shine, head coach Yeng Guiao liked what he saw so far from Belo.

“Natagalan siya sa pagbalik so we don’t want to put too much pressure on him. We just want him to get along and find his game but I’m happy with what I saw,” said Guiao of his off-season acquisition.

“Nandoon yung effort, yung energy. He’s also able to grasp our system so he will get even better,” he added

Belo, for his part, admitted that he’s still groping for form and still working his way back to tip-top shape.

“Nakita mo naman kanina ang dami kong turnovers so yun yung matagal akong walang game ‘no. Hopefully yun yung mapagaralan ko ulit, makuha ko yung timing ko para makatulong sa team,” said the 30-year-old forward.

He also expressed his gratitude for Guiao and the rest of Rain or Shine management for believing in him. He also thanked his teammates who, according to Belo, were very welcoming and still continuously guiding him to get accustomed to the Elasto Painters system.

“I’m very grateful no kasi syempre unang una ang dream naman natin is makapaglaro ulit sa PBA so then sobrang patient nila sa akin. So talagang gina-guide nila ako kung anong dapat kong gawin,” shared Belo.

“Sobrang clear yung gusto niyang mangyari so ang gawin ko na lang is trabahuhin ko na lang and of course, do some extra time para makahabol doon sa team,” he added.