Exclusive: Aaron Fuller: Source of inspiration for Rain or Shine
Aaron Fuller, a native from Mesa, Arizona, started playing basketball during his college years in the University of Iowa and University of California before he became a professional player, and played in Portugal, New Zealand and Mexico, and later in the Philippines.
In 2017, Fuller decided to play basketball in the Philippines where he signed with the NLEX Road Warriors as an import for the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup where he averaged 22.6 points 17.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks in 11 games.
After a year, Fuller re-joined the NLEX Road Warriors in August for the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup as replacement for Olu Ashaolu who suffered an injury. Fuller also played for Blackwater Elite in 2019 and in TNT Tropang GIga in 2021-2022.
In July 2024, Fuller returned to the Philippines for the fifth time, this time playing as an import for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup. This is Fuller's fourth team in the PBA. He also reunited with coach Yeng Guiao who coached him during his stay with the NLEX from 2017-2018.
In an exclusive interview of Scoreline.ph, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao expressed that Aaron Fuller was the type of their import that is a simple and quiet person, not showy or flashy.
Guiao has confidence in Fuller in terms of being proactive and reactive. He also believed that his import can always contribute in offense, as Fuller was able to produce around 20 points, 15-20 in rebounding and can play defense too, plus he has a strong body.
“Our import is very solid. He is not flashy, he doesn’t talk a lot, he is just quiet. But you can rely on him. He has a solid offensive game, there are (games) that he can contribute 20, he can also defend. He can even give you 15-20 rebounds. You can’t bully him inside as he has a strong body,” said Guiao in Filipino as he complimented his import.
Guiao also added that it is an advantage to their team that they have an import like Fuller that has chemistry with other local players, and his teammates like him very much.
“His teammates like him. It’s a big factor when your import has good chemistry with the locals,” coach Yeng added.
His co-player forward Jhonard Clarito describes him as a very kind import and knows how to deal with the other players especially in his own teammates.
“Our import Aaron, he is so kind and knows how to get along with us,” said Clarito.
For other players, they see Fuller as an energetic man who can provide tons of second chance points for any other team and that is why coach Yeng again chose him and called him to suit up as an import for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Fuller is a source of inspiration with a warrior’s spirit that can always bring encouragement, and he always plays with a big heart for the sake of his team.
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