"We just always try to look for the best talent available," sabi ng team owner na si Raymond Yu. "It may not come from the draft, kasi palagi kaming huli sa draft, di ba? So we would look for free agents, we would look for ex-pros, and just try to have a good, balanced line-up."
Nang ibenta ang franchise ng Shell sa PBA, kasabay nito’y nag-iisip na si Yu at ang partner niyang si Terry Que kung napapanahon nang lumipat sila sa pro league.
Nakita nila ang malaking naitulong sa kanilang negosyo ng paglahok sa PBL, at pareho din naman silang mahilig sa basketbol.
"When we started winning championships in the PBL, the name recall of the brand improved. We’re just betting, assuming that PBA will help us generate bigger sales," lahad ni Yu. "Against our competitors, it helps us differentiate our product from what is available in the market. So in that sense, mas nakilala kami."
Bilang bagong miyembro, pangsampu’t panlabing-isa pipili ang Welbest franchise sa draft, kaya’t siguradong hindi sila makakakuha ng de kalidad na sentro.
Iaakyat na lamang nila ang tatlo sa magagaling nilang frontliner:ang 6’8" na si JR Reyes, 6’5" na si Jay Sagad at 6’5" na si Junjun Cabatu, na hindi na dadaan sa rookie draft.
Makakatulong din ang ilan sa kanilang mga player ay free agent sa PBA.
Pananatilihin pa rin nila ang kanilang koponan sa PBL, at pansamantalang maiiwan doon ang 6’9" nilang si Samigue Eman.
"Number one, I think we have to come out with a competitive line-up. Given the conditions, it’s going to be a tall order," pag-amin ni Yu. "So again, we have to scout for good free agents. I see a lot of good free agents. You have guys like Froilan Baguion, Al Magpayo, Alwyn Espiritu, and other free agents."
Limang taon ang pinagkasunduang pagsabak ng Paintmasters sa PBA. Pero sa tingin nila, baka makatulong pa ang kanilang pagiging baguhan.
"Well, the fact that we’re going to start from scratch is an advantage," dagdag ni Yu. "You can say that it’s a disadvantage, but it’s also an advantage. We can work backwards. What kind of a team do we want? Do we want speed? If that’s what we want, we can tailor the type of players we get. Probably, we will go for young players, quick players, because I don’t think we can get a dominant post-up guy right now."
Kahalintulad ng Phoenix Suns ang gustong mabuong team ng Welcoat: mabilis tumakbo, at bata ang mga player.
Umaasa silang hindi ganoon katagal ang kanilang hihintayin bago makakuha ng una nilang PBA championship.