Rain or Shine has been a breath of fresh air to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), giving hope that the league would regain its luster that once endeared the Filipino audience.

 

The Elasto Painters are now 7-0 in the team standings following impressive victories, two of which in record-breaking fashion.

 

Flashing its running game, Rain or Shine defeated Blackwater, 151-95, with the 56-point victory being the largest in the history of the league.

 

Photo: PBA Images

 

With its outside shooting on display, Rain or Shine also beat Terrafirma, 142-125, fueled by 23 threes and fours, tying a league record for most outside shots in a game shared by four other teams.

 

Rain or Shine's recent success is what the PBA needs right now.

 

The past few years have seen titles being won only between two conglomerates in the San Miguel Corporation of Ramon S. Ang and the companies under Manny V. Pangilinan. 

 

The last time a team not under those companies won a PBA title was in 2016 when Rain or Shine bagged the Commissioner's Cup. But even prior to that, the SMC and MVP group have won PBA championships in 30 out of the last 31 conferences.

 

Photo: PBA Images

 

In the midst of Rain or Shine’s resurgence, the words “para maiba naman” or “something different” has been the thrown around on by those fans who have started rooting for Rain or Shine. Some of those fans are even from other teams as well that is hungry for a new thing in the PBA. Fans have started to come out as well for Rain or Shine games including their April 8 contest against San Miguel. Though most of the tickets were given for free in celebration of the 51st anniversary of the league, it was, one of the most well-attended games in the PBA this conference.

 

Rain or Shine also boasts of new stars that the Filipino fans can truly relate. Adrian Nocum, a player from Tondo, is one of them who is now being compared to Samboy Lim for his acrobatic ways on the court. 

 

Their import Jaylen Johnson has also started gaining a following with ability on the court and his entertaining ways, dancing almost everytime he makes his three-point shot.

 

There is also head coach Yeng Guiao, the outspoken PBA coach that has been known to get the best out of his players, and this conference has been no different.

 

Photo: PBA Images

 

Heck, even their utility staff Eric Nanas has a following on social media.

 

In an era of trades perceived as quick fixes, Rain or Shine gained success through the draft, with players like Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, Santi Santillan, and Jhonard Clarito being their homegrown talents.

 

After playoff disappointments, Rain or Shine looks ripe for a finals appearance. Regardless of their opponent, it would surely be a blockbuster.