Rain or Shine sets modest goal in Jones Cup

THR mission is tough, so Rain or Shine leaves for Taipei, Taiwan on Friday for the 42nd William Jones Cup with a modest goal.

For one, the two-time PBA champion will be facing a formidable field, including the national teams of three top Middle East nations and the region’s top ball clubs in the 9-day tournament which formally unwraps on Saturday, Aug. 12.

The E-Painters even don’t have an idea as to what kind of opposition they will be facing although the Yeng Guiaomentored squad is certainly not the type to back down from a challenge.

So expect the Raymond Yu and Terry Que-owned franchise to go all-out in its bid to defend the country’s title in the Jones Cup. which was last won by an import-laden Mighty Sports team back in 2019.

ROS Governor Atty. Mert Mondragon expressed his confidence that the team will put its best foot forward, hoping not only to represent the PBA well. but also showcase the Filipino brand of play on the international stage.

“We will be up against some very tough teams, taller and quicker, even national teams. We are not promising anything but I’m sure that our guys will not back down from a challenge and will fight to represent the PBA, and the country well,” said Mondragon.

Reinforcing the team are Gilas Pilipinas’ Ange Kouame and American import Nick Evans along with the young core of Rey Nambatac, Anton Asistio, Santi Santillan, Andrei Caracut, Gian Mamuyac and Shaun Ildefonso.

Veterans Gabe Norwood, Jewel Ponferrada and Beau Belga are still expected to provide the leadership along with guys like Jhonard Clarito, Mac Belo, Nick Demusis and Mark Borboran. willing to stand and trade with him.

Heading the delegation are ROS Alternate Governor Edison Oribina, Redmond Yu and Jireh Ibanez.

Rain or Shine opens the tournament against the host Chinese Taipei for their first two games, Team A on Aug.12 and Team B the next day. The Elasto Painters then lock horns with national teams of UAE on the 14th, Qatar on the 15th and Iran on the 16th.

Rain or Shine also takes on the Korean Basketball League champion Anyang KGC on Aug. 17th before taking a breather the next day. The Elasto Painters then wrap up the competition with a clash against the Japan U22 national team on Aug.19 and the US NCAA UC Irvines on Aug. 20.

Adding to that motivation is the fact that Baatarkhuu has been dominating Filipinos left and right since making his promotional debut earlier this year. In fact, he scored dominant wins over Adonis Sevilleno and Rockie Bactol. Having been in a slump recently, facing a hungry fighter on the rise could very well be the fight that Belingon needs.

“Of course! Of course! I want to face him. We all know he’s a very strong wrestler and grappler, that’s his strength. I feel like I will have the upper hand in striking, but as I’ve said, I’ve been working hard on my grappling and BJJ,” Belingon said.

“I think this will be a great fight for me, should it happen. It would truly test my ground game and striking as well.”

Should a match between them take place, he’s confident that he can knock Baatarkhuu out, especially if the latter fights like he did against Sangiao.

“I think he’ll feel my power. I saw in his fight against Jhanlo, he was really feeling his strikes. He even got cut and knocked down, so I think I can knock him out if I face him,” he said.