By Argie Paul Candare
Rain or Shine Elasto Painter guard Rey Nambatac signed a three-year max deal as he extended his four-year tenure with the team, which drafted him.
The 5’10”, high-scoring Letran standout is one of the key players of the Chris Gavina-coached squad.
Last conference, he averaged 10.73 points, 4.55 rebounds, and 1.91 assists, second in scoring behind ace forward Jayvee Mocon with 12.91 markers. He also improved his numbers from his bubble performance.
Rain or Shine is coming off a quarterfinal exit in the Philippine Cup, eliminated by eventual runner-up Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots.
The team aims for a better finish in the coming Governors’ Cup, where the Painters are bringing in former Blackwater import Henry Walker.
The well-travelled NBA veteran Walker previously led the Elite in 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup to fifth seed and a quarterfinals finish.
The Nambatac and Walker duo is expected to merge with E-Painters’ roster of a balanced, young and up-and-coming players and veteran contributors.
The PBA Veteran Maximum contract will allow Nambatac to receive P420,000 every month, as per league rules.