MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine’s surprised first-round draft selection Maverick Ahanmisi inked a two-year, rookie maximum deal with the team on Friday morning to ensure a strong backcourt for an Elasto Painters side that is determined to end its string of runner-up finishes.
The 6-foot-1 Ahanmisi, selected third overall in the draft last Sunday behind Moala Tautuaa of Talk ‘N Text and Troy Rosario (Mahindra), signed the two-year deal worth P4.5 million before Rain or Shine boss Raymund Yu, board governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon.
The 24-year-old former Minnesota Golden Gophers guard is expected to act as facilitator, according to Rain or Shine lead assistant coach Caloy Garcia.
“Ang maganda sa kanya (Ahanmishi), he’s the type of player who can create for our shooters. And he can play alongside Paul (Lee) or be his backup,” Garcia told Philstar.com.
Garcia said Ahanmishi isn’t flashy, but is a steady ball handler and fundamentally-sound.
“Maverick’s got good range. He’s not flashy, but he’s very basic. And ang maganda sa kanya, kahit na pini-pisikal siya, di nagbabago yung aura niya,” he added.
Ahanmisi concluded his amateur career by leading Cafe France to the PBA D-League Foundation Cup championship where he averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists, to go along with 1.7 steals.
With Ahanmisi around, Garcia said Lee can slide to the two-guard spot where he can assume his role as the team’s top marksman.
Rain or Shine closed out the PBA’s 40th season with a runner-up finish during the Commissioner’s Cup, marking the third straight year that the Asian Coating franchise fell short of a championship.
The Elasto Painters, whose only league title came during the 2012 Governors Cup, placed second in the 2013 and 2014 Philippine Cup, as well as the 2014 Governors Cup.