Mac Belo inks one-year pact with Elasto Painters

Mac Belo (right) PBA PHOTO 

Nearly two weeks after being acquired in a player swap with Meralco, wingman Mac Belo finally came to terms with Rain or Shine after signing a one-year contract with his new team on Wednesday.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but Rain or Shine team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon said they are happy with how the conversation went, leading to Belo finally inking a deal to become an Elasto Painter.

“It’s one year (deal). The terms and conditions have been settled, and Mac already practiced today,” Mondragon said in confirming to the Manila Times, the 6-foot-4 Belo’s official entry into the team.

Belo, accompanied by his agent Edgar Mangahas, signed his fresh pact with ROS in the presence of head coach Yeng Guiao, assistant coaches Caloy Garcia and Ricky Umayam and assistant team manager Jireh Ibanes.

The amiable Rain or Shine team official said coach Yeng Guiao likes the former Far Eastern University star because of his ability to shoot, having been a regular fixture of Gilas since his collegiate days.

“We talked to the governor (of Blackwater) and asked what they experienced with Mac in the team, and Silliam (Sy, Bossing’s team governor) said he’s a nice player, but quiet type,” shared Mondragon.

The ROS team governor said coach Yeng Guiao likes Belo, considering that the former UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player and Gilas gunner injects athleticism, outside shooting and youth to the Elasto Painters.

“We realized Mac Belo still has a lot to give,” said Guiao, during a recent chat with the Manila Times. “He’s not even old because he’s just 30, which is usually the peak years of a player. And even since his college days, and his early years in the PBA, he has already proven himself.”

Belo has seen his career go on a nosedive since he was traded by Blackwater to Meralco in February 2021 in exchange for Baser Amer and big man Bryan Faundo.

He played just nine games in total for the 2022-23 season, submitting career-low averages of 0.9 point and 1.0 rebound.

But Guiao and the ROS squad took the gamble on Belo after inquiring on his health status. And when the Bolts assured that the talented wingman is healthy, the Elasto Painters agreed to part ways with veteran big man Norbert Torres to acquire Belo.

The 6-foot-4 Belo came into the PBA with impressive credentials, starring in Far Eastern University’s UAAP men’s basketball championship in 2015, where he won the Finals Most Valuable Player.

The Midsayap, Cotabato native also won two Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball gold medals in 2013 and 2015, along with championships in the SEABA and SEABA Cup in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

In fact, Belo had a productive first three seasons with Blackwater, and went on to average a PBA career-best 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 36 games during the 2019 season. His stellar performance helped the franchise reach the playoffs in the Commissioner’s Cup.