Rookies Tiongson and Lemetti: Instrumental firepower to dark horse Rain or Shine
It is no surprise that the foundation of Rain or Shine has been built through the camaraderie of homegrown talents, who are thirsty to prove their worth and place in the fiercely competed Philippine Basketball Association or PBA.
The Elasto Painters’ roster now boasts an abundance of options on offense and defense, a pivotal balance that could anchor the team away from their 12-year drought of the Governor’s Cup win.
Seasoned veterans might have propelled the team with its depth that proves they could etch their name as one of the most formidable teams, but with the Rain or Shine being bolstered by young players, especially with this year’s draft picks, they might have a chance to attain the crown that was once in their hands.
No.7 overall pick in the draft, Caelan Tiongson proves that it is not too late to pursue one’s dream even at 32. With his impressive credentials, Tiongson is no longer a stranger to the sport.
A lot of PBA teams wanted to capitalize Tiongson’s experience since showcasing his impressive play in the ASEAN Basketball League, starting with Chong Son Kung Fu and then Alab Pilipinas.
Tiongson came out of his retirement in 2021 to take another shot at a hoops career by suiting up for Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan before coming back to the Philippines to play for Strong Group in the 43rd William Jones Cup.
The 6-foot-5, Filipino-American forward reaped the expectations of Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as he boosts the team’s frontline when it comes not only on the offense but also on the defense.
“I don't treat Caelan as a rookie anymore,” coach Yeng told Dribble Report. “He has played a lot. So, you know his mentality is like a veteran.”
When asked regarding his experience under coach Yeng’s wing, Tiongson shared that he has been great so far and that his gameplay style is different from what he was used to.
“This is the first time I've played this kind of style of basketball. I'm used to a slower style. So, he just preaches a lot of confidence,” said Tiongson. “Still getting used to it for sure. I have enjoyed playing for him. He wants to win and that’s really what's important when I play for a coach.”
On the other hand, the No. 8 overall pick in the draft has exceeded forecasts just as his pick came as a shock to some basketball enthusiasts.
After choosing a more established name in Tiongson, the Elasto Painters took a chance on the Filipino-Swedish Felix Lemetti who was bannering a heap of experience in just the age of 25.
Before his stint with KFUM Fryshuset Basket of the Swedish Superettan, Sweden’s second-tier men’s pro league, Lemetti already played for three different NCAA Division 1 schools: first with Fairfield, then Omaha, and lastly with Southern Utah.
Lemetti was also exposed to FIBA youth competitions, expounding his background qualifications.
As he parade numerous overseas stints, coach Yeng is positive towards the performance Lemetti is displaying throughout their games.
“He is still young but he has already played in Europe. He has already played in NCAA Division 1. So, he just needs to have more experience or he needs to feel how we play here in the Philippines,” said coach Yeng about the 25-year-old guard.
“He has played in 11 games so far, and he will improve every game. But, of course, the playoff is different. He will improve himself. He will be able to adjust.”
Despite having the same sentiments with Tiongson in regards with the Rain or Shine’s main tactician, Lemetti expressed that it is the style that fits him well.
“I like to push the ball a lot. I like to shoot a lot of threes. It fits me really well,” the Enskede, Stockholm native said.
“Obviously, the winning part was a big thing, that always plays a factor. You always want to win. To be able to do so your first year is a great experience,” he added.
Coach Yeng emphasized that even though the two rookies are making improvement, he believes they will get even better through additional familiarity as they have just barely touched the surface.
Tiongson, who didn’t play for two years, is practically getting back into the game and polishing his skills, while Lemetti has played in Sweden and the United States, so he is unfamiliar with the local style.
However, the team is confident in their ability to make the necessary adaptations as Tiongson and Lemetti are one of the key Elasto Painters that can steer the hungry Rain or Shine back to its winning ways.
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It wasn’t the smoothest of starts for NLEX, which found itself down by 11 early in the game. But the tide shifted in the second quarter, where the Road Warriors erupted for a 34-12 run behind the efforts of Robert Bolick, Dominic Fajardo, Tony Semerad, and Xyrus Torres to seize a 52-36 halftime lead.
Blackwater attempted a late push, cutting the gap to 76-65 in the fourth quarter, but NLEX responded with a 12-5 counter that put the game out of reach. Semerad, who buried three triples in the payoff period, earned Finals MVP honors with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Torres topped the scoring for NLEX with 19 markers, while Bolick came close to a triple-double with eight points, six boards, and nine assists. JB Bahio and Fajardo chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively. As a team, the Road Warriors torched the net from beyond the arc, going 18-of-34, with Semerad and Torres sinking four each.
Sedrick Barefield paced Blackwater with 15 points, while Richard Escoto added 14. The Bossing, despite falling short in the finals, had an impressive run in the preliminaries, including a comeback win over NLEX, 95-90, earlier in the tournament.
The championship serves as a timely boost for NLEX heading into the new PBA season. Last year, the Road Warriors finished second in the Philippine Cup eliminations before bowing out in the quarterfinals against Rain or Shine. Deputy mentor Adonis Tierra called the shots in their last two games, steering the team to become the second straight PBA squad to lift the Kadayawan crown, following Rain or Shine’s sweep in 2024. NLEX closed the tournament with a 3-1 card, their lone loss coming at the hands of Blackwater.
In the battle for third place, Phoenix avoided a winless campaign with a convincing 101-81 rout of Converge. Raffy Verano led the way with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay contributed 17 and 15 markers, respectively. The win marked the first for new head coach Willy Wilson, who took over during the offseason. Coincidentally, Phoenix also defeated Converge for third place in last year’s edition of the tournament.
The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational with victories in their respective first games on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.
In the first game, Sedrick Barefield made an immediate impact for the Bossing. The 2024 second overall pick erupted for 28 points, including six triples. Three of those came in succession in the fourth quarter, turning a slim 72-66 lead into a more comfortable 81-68 cushion.
Troy Mallillin contributed 17 points and six rebounds, while newcomer Jed Mendoza impressed in his debut with 16 points.
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