Forged in the paint: Rain or Shine's independent blueprint

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters has consistently defied conventional strategies in the PBA, building their success on defiance and belief rather than following typical playbooks. They last won a championship in the 2016 Governors' Cup as an independent team, achieving this without heavy reliance on their import, Pierre Henderson Niles, who averaged only 9.6 points in 13 games. Under coach Yeng Guiao, the team has always taken unconventional routes to success, standing out in a league dominated by conglomerate groups like SMC and MVP teams.

The team avoids blockbuster trades and big free-agent signings, instead constructing nearly their entire roster through the draft by selecting unconventional players in early rounds. This approach has allowed them to find hidden talents and maintain a unique identity. Nearly a decade after their 2016 championship, Rain or Shine is positioned as a strong contender to break through again as an independent team, with Gabe Norwood serving as a key example of their consistent team-building philosophy.

Gabe Norwood, who has been with the team since 2008, highlights the similarities in team chemistry and structure between past and present iterations. He notes that the roster is largely built through the draft and minor trades, with many players spending their entire careers with the team, fostering loyalty and shared experiences in both losses and victories. Norwood has witnessed the team's evolution, including his partnership with Sol Mercado, Guiao's coaching leading to championships, rebuilding phases, and their current resurgence.

Norwood describes the current team as a fun and positive group, with players contributing effectively after gaining a few years of league experience. The off-court environment, including the locker room vibe, is consistently upbeat, making it easy for the team to work together. This positive dynamic has translated into tangible results, with Rain or Shine making four consecutive semifinal appearances, including in all three conferences of the past season, demonstrating their sustained competitiveness.