By Argie Paul Candare
The Raon or Shine Elasto Painters are not done yet in extending the contract of their preferred players as they now secured the team’s long-time bruiser in Beau Belga in a two-year deal.
Belga, who has played for the franchise in a decade, is the backbone of the Elasto Painters’ defense with his tenacity and IQ.
Finishing the last conference eliminations as the third overall scorer of the team, the 6’6” slotman contributed 9.27 points, 5.91 rebounds, and 2.55 assists per game.
Belga and veteran-wing Gabe Norwood are the longest-tenured players of the Chris Gavina-coached squad.
Norwood has been part of the team for 12 years, acquired through the draft as the first overall pick in 2008.
The PCU standout Belga came into the league as the 7th pick of 2008 draft, selected by then Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, before migrating to Air21 Express and Meralco Bolts. After short stints with those teams, he settled for a role in Rain or Shine in 2011.
With JR Quinahan, they established a duo named “Extra Rice, Inc.,” coached by known disciplinarian tactician Yeng Guiao.
The three-time All-Star last held a title during 2016 Commissioner’s Cup against Alaska Aces, when they were reinforced by Pierre Henderson-Niles.
Beside Belga’s extension, the team also recently inked Norbert Torres and Anton Asistion for two years, while Rey Nambatac was offered a three-year max pact.