Rey Nambatac On Playing For The Flag At The Jones Cup: 'Talagang Ibubuhos Namin Yung Makakaya Namin'
The PBA's Rain or Shine Elasto Painters were chosen to represent the Philippines at the 42nd William Jones Cup from August 12 - 20 in Taiwan.
The team is bannered by Andrei Caracut, Rey Nambatac, Gabe Norwood, along with Gian Mamuyac, Anton Asistio, Shaun Ildefonso, Vince Tolentino, Jewel Ponferada, Mark Borboran, Jhonard Clarito, Leonard Santillan, Beau Belga, Nick Demusis, and Mark Belo.
Coach Yeng Guiao, who came back to Rain or Shine in 2022, tapped the services of Ange Kouame and Nick Evans as reinforcements for the tournament.
Elasto Painters guard Rey Nambatac is somehow adjusting to the team's new system. Albeit strict, Guiao's detail-oriented approach helps bring out the best in them and he gives all of his players a chance to play.
"Well, una mahirap. Kasi dati naririnig ko lang si coach [Yeng Guiao], naririnig ko lang kung paano siya mag coach [Yeng Guiao] dati, then all of a sudden, biglang siya na nga yung mag he-head coach ulit. So, para sa akin, konting adjustment lang. Kasi siyempre, si coach Yeng [Guiao] kasi medyo strict siya." Nambatac said during the opening of Peak Philippines' newest store at Filinvest SuperMall in Alabang. "So gusto niya yung bawat details, yung small details, importante sa kanya. So kailangan gawin mo ng maayos. And then, yung lang naman ang gusto niya. Dahil talagang doon lalabas yung confidence mo kasi makikita mo sa kanya na every game binibigyan niya ng chance yung bawat player."
Since the fiery mentor's return to Rain or Shine back last year, Nambatac has certainly learned a lot from Guiao in just a year under his tutelage and is also influential with the maturity of his game.
"Parang one year pa lang yata kaming magkasama ni coach Yeng, pero madami na akong natutunan sa kanya. Una na doon, yung decision making na talagang mas naging matured pa ako pag dating sa decision making," revealed the Elasto Painters guard. "Dahil gina-guide naman niya ako pagdating sa ganon. Well, marami pa, lalo na yung kung paano ko i-involve yung mga teammates ko. So, siya rin nag-mold sa akin don."
Rain or Shine has been preparing not just for the Jones Cup this month, but also the PBA Commissioner's Cup in October, as well. For the "The Stingray," the PBA on Tour was the measuring stick of how the team has progressed for the upcoming reinforced conference.
"I'm excited, we're very excited sa papariting na Commissioner's Cup. So, itong PBA on Tour na ito, ito yung talagang ano namin eh, example para malaman namin kung hanggang saan kami itong parating na Commissioner's Cup," Nambatac said. "So, we will do our best. Siyempre, ibibigay namin yung lahat ng makakaya namin and hopefully, papasok na kami itong Commissioner's Cup."
With the 42nd William Jones Cup just days away, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard expressed excitement, assured fans that the team is ready to represent the Philippines with pride and give their absolute best in the tournament.
"Kami naman, lagi lang kami [naka] prepare. So, kung ano man yung mga scenario, since tuloy na nga na kami yung iapapadala dun sa Jones Cup. Rest assured na talagang ire-represent namin yung Pilipinas at the same time yung Rain or Shine and the PBA," said Nambatac. "Talagang ibubuhos namin yung makakaya namin.