MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters has parted ways with veteran guard Rey Nambatac by sending him to Blackwater Bossing ahead of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.
Based on the transaction approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office, the Painters traded Nambatac to the Bossing in exchange for two first round draft picks for the 49th and 50th season.
“It was a meaningful and unforgettable run!! To boss Raymond Yu and Boss Terry Que thank you for making me a part of your family and taking care of me on/off the court for seven years. Nothing but love & respect to the organization,” Nambatac said in a social media post.
“#StingRAINorSHINE will always have a place in my heart for the memories and battles we went through together for seven years. To the coaches, my teammates, utilities, fans thank you and I really appreciate you guys. Hanggang sa muli,” he added.
Nambatac, a former standout of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights in the PBA, was initially selected seventh overall by the Painters in 2017 and has become a consistent contributor in his seven seasons with the franchise.
In June, Nambatac received a two-year contract extension from the Painters’ management, but he has expressed disappointment after his limited playing time during the just-concluded PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Nambatac, who only started three games last conference, finished with a career-low averages of 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists resulting in him asking for a trade in the break.
“We are grateful for the seven years he played for our team and continue to wish him nothing but the best in the next chapter of his career,” Rain or Shine said in a statement on Wednesday.
At Bossing, Nambatac is set to reunite with his former Painters teammate, Negrense James Yap, who recently signed a one-year contract with the squad following his Rain or Shine release.
However, there are reports that Blackwater will just be a temporary stop for Nambatac as he will soon be shipped to TNT Tropang Giga in a package the include Bacolodnon Kib Montalbo and Frederick Tungcab./PN
