PBA: Winless Rain or Shine mulls replacing import Qualls

Michael Quality. PBA PICTURES

MANILA, Philippines-Rain or Shine has played four games in the PBA Governors’ Cup, but victory remained elusive on Sunday.

Still reeling from the failure of defending champions Barangay Ginebra, Painter coach Yeng Guiao admitted that the club is considering a change in imports.

“Actually, I’m fine with the residents. But as athletic and aggressive as Michael (Qualls) is, I think we’re having chemistry issues,” he told reporters after losing 116-108 at the hands of the defending champions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“We have a week’s rest. Our next game is on Sunday. We will determine if it still makes sense to keep or find another import,” he said.

There’s nothing to complain about Qualls’ “intensity, effort and athletic availability,” only if Rain or Shine has had a fit problem, which has cost them their campaign so far.

“Sometimes, it’s like you gel with your team. It’s chemistry. It makes the people around you better. Players who come in and make the team look better—I think that’s worth it,” said the championship mentor.

“You might produce numbers, highlights, but what’s more important is that you can make the people around you better. And that’s what you’re looking for.”

Qualls, best known for helping NorthPort to a Final Four appearance in 2019, wasn’t productive statistically. He’s averaged 26.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals so far, but that’s hardly reflected in the Painters’ record in the tournament.

“We have to decide (soon),” Guiao said. “[Otherwise] we have to bring in the latest import on Wednesday or Thursday, so they can train for three days before the next match.

“We are [still] looking forward to the next game. We’re going to play teams at the same level as us, so we just have to clear the ice. We just need to break the losing streak.

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