Rain or Shine Elasto Painters star Adrian Nocum against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. PBA Images.MANILA — Adrian Nocum is embracing a bigger role with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters following the departure of former team captain and lead playmaker Gian Mamuyac.
The 6-foot guard from Tondo has flourished as RoS’ new floor general, averaging 17.3 points, 7.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while helping the Elasto Painters reel off two straight wins after opening the conference with back-to-back losses.
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For Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, handing Nocum greater responsibility has been by design as the team looks to unlock the full potential of the former Mapua University standout.
"It's on purpose, trying to play him a lot more minutes at the point," said Guiao after their 110-99 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, where Nocum finished with 13 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.
Guiao has liked what he has seen from Nocum so far, saying the 26-year-old has not only made his teammates better but has also grown into a leader on and off the hardwood.
"He's getting better in a different field. He's not just looking to score, and magandang sign yun," said the veteran mentor. "His decision-making is getting better, more mature, and nagpapakita rin siya ng leadership."
Nocum, however, downplayed the praise, saying he is simply doing his part to help fill the void left by Mamuyac.
"Kami-kami lang naman yung magkakasama, so kailangan lang naming ensayuhin yung mga pagkakamali namin," he said. "Tapos yun nga, wala na si Mamu, so challenge din sa akin yun."
With the Elasto Painters beginning to build momentum and the race in Group B expected to tighten, Nocum knows his next challenge is sustaining his level of play.
"Kailangan ko pa ring mag-improve, at kailangan ko pang trabahuhin," he said. "Kailangan pa naming higitan yung aggressiveness namin."
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