MANILA, Philippines — Beau Belga said the culture Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao built since he returned to the franchise in 2022 is one of the reasons why the Elasto Painters are thriving in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup. Rain or Shine chalked up win no. 7 after slaying powerhouse San Miguel Beer, 122-112 in a giant accomplishment on Thursday night. The win marked the first time the Asian Coating franchise beat the SMB squad after losing to the league's all-time winningest ball club 11 straight times. The young ROS team has been in rebuilding mode since 2021, undergoing a series of personnel changes to build a new core. That transition left Belga and Gabe Norwood as the only remnants of the 2016 squad that Guiao steered to the Commissioner's Cup. Now, the ROS quintet has a slew of young players led by Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, Andrei Caracut, Gian Mamuyac, and Anton Asistio. "When it comes to offense, you'll never know who will have a great game on any given night," Belga said, who earned Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. Beyond the numbers, the burly ROS big man said he is simply playing his role under Guiao's system where every player has an equal opportunity to shine and contribute in their own way. Belga, who recently signed a one-year extension deal, said there's no hint of envy within the team since everyone knows what their roles are as they try to achieve their goal this season. "For veterans like me, we just want a slow pace but then, it's really us the veterans who are influenced to play at a faster pace. But it's something we all enjoy because we complement each other well," added Belga in Filipino. The 37-year-old Belga can shoot from long range, but being one of the most experienced players in the team, the former Philippine Christian U standout also provides solid interior defense for the Elasto Painters. Belga admitted defending long-time PBA star June Mar Fajardo is never easy, but then, it's one role he is willing to play as Rain or Shine tries to make it deep into the playoffs. Rain or Shine will be shooting for the top seed in Group B come next Monday when the team faces Blackwater closes the double-round eliminations at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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