Rain or Shine to choose between imports McLean and Chism

MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will be deciding on Thursday, March 27 whether to continue on with current import Alexander McLean or to make the switch to Wayne Chism for the rest of the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. 

Head coach Yeng Guiao addressed the status of their 6-foot-8 American import right after their win over the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday night, March 26. 

“We will talk about McLean’s status tomorrow. We have our options open,” Guiao said.  

That option is primarily the 26-year old Wayne Chism, who Guiao said is “ready to go” and “ready to fly (to the Philippines) at any moment.”

“Our next game is on Monday. We need to decide by tomorrow in practice what we really need to do,” added Guiao. 

(RELATED: Q&A: Yeng Guiao’s thoughts on their import, first Comms Cup game)

McLean, 28, has been averaging 22.75 points and 15.25 rebounds during the Painters’ previous 4 games. In the win against Meralco, McLean led his team with 23 markers, 16 rebounds, an assist and a steal. 

“Our import played good today,” Guiao commended McLean, who, despite not having any NBA or NBA D-League experience, has played for countries such as Poland, Paraguay, Argentina, Lebanon, Iraq, Qatar, Egypt and China. 

“He played good today but the question is, can he be consistent and can he take us to the playoffs?” Guiao said. “That’s really the big question. And how is he compared to the other imports?” 

At 2-3 and with only 4 games remaining in the eliminations, Rain or Shine is in a precarious situation where they have to make a good run in the next few games for a good seed entering the playoffs.  

Chism, a power forward, has played for the Hungarian Basketball League and in Turkey as well. He was also invited for summer leagues with NBA teams the Sacramento Kings and the New Jersey Nets. 

Guiao clarified that he is “still not one hundred percent” certain about the decision and that McLean will still be attending Rain or Shine’s practice tomorrow. 

“I guess the coaching staff and the management will have to put in their inputs before we give our final decisions.” – Rappler.com