Yen Guiao on drafting Manaytay, Roque: Rain or Shine willing to wait

Rain or Shine made one of the bolder moves in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, selecting Christian Manaytay and Jun Roque in the first round despite knowing both won’t be available to immediately join the team.

The Elasto Painters used the 10th and 12th overall picks on the two promising forwards, signaling a long-term investment rather than an instant impact.

Head coach Yeng Guiao explained that both players remain tied to existing commitments.

“They’re still committed to their teams right now,” Guiao said. “So we will wait until they’re free from their contracts or from their commitments. Tsaka natin siguro makikita sa practice.”

Roque, a 6-foot-4 bruiser, is set to complete his final NCAA season with the Letran Knights. Known for his grit and rebounding, Roque has been a consistent enforcer in Letran’s physical style of play, contributing to the school’s recent string of Finals appearances. His rugged interior game and willingness to battle inside fit seamlessly with Guiao’s system built on toughness and energy. 

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CHRISTIAN MANAYTAY GOES TO RAIN OR SHINE

BREAKING: The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters select former UST Growling Tiger Christian Manaytay with the 10th pick in the 2025 PBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/jC3Aai01Eg

— Varsitarian Sports (@VSportsUST) September 7, 2025

Manaytay, on the other hand, is currently under contract with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the MPBL. At 6-foot-5, the versatile forward has established himself as a two-way presence—combining hustle and athleticism with the ability to defend multiple positions. Before turning pro, Manaytay suited up for the UST Growling Tigers, where he helped the España-based squad return to the UAAP Final Four in Season 88. His high motor and slashing ability caught the attention of scouts and now provide Rain or Shine with a player tailor-made for Guiao’s up-tempo schemes.

Though unable to participate fully for now, Guiao still wants both to get acclimated with the Elasto Painters’ system.

“Guiao, however, is encouraging them to show up in practice time to time to get acclimatized with the team before they formally join the team at the end of their commitments,” he said.

To ensure their rights are secured, Rain or Shine has already extended tender offers to both players.

“But we already made them tender offers para makeep natin yung rights sa mga first rounders natin,” Guiao confirmed.

For the Elasto Painters, patience is part of the plan. With Roque’s grit and Manaytay’s athleticism waiting in the wings, Rain or Shine isn’t just drafting for Season 50—it’s laying down building blocks for the years to come, banking on two players who perfectly embody the franchise’s trademark rugged identity. 

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