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It seemed like a homecoming when Nick Demusis was traded to Rain or Shine.
Demusis, who used to practice with the Elasto Painters when playing for the Bacoor Strikers in the MPBL, is no stranger to the team.
Chris Gavina, who is now the head coach of Rain or Shine, was in charge of the Strikers back then.
“When I was in the MPBL, I used to practice with Rain or Shine sometimes. So, their core guys are still the same, (Mark) Borboran, Beau (Belga), (Rey) Nambatac were already there. Norbert (Torres), and Gabe (Norwood). So, it wasn’t too hard for me to adjust,” Demusis disclosed.
After being traded by Phoenix along with future first- and second-round picks for the rights to fourth-year winger Javee Mocon, Demusis has now officially joined the Elasto Painters.
The Fil-Am player said he’s delighted to play for Gavina again and is appreciating the change in environment following the trade completed just before the start of PBA Season 47, which he described as a ‘fresh start’ for his career.
“We like the enthusiasm brought in by the young players, particularly the newcomers, who feel they are being challenged by their more experienced teammates.” Gavina said, and he added “On the other side, I like the veterans’ mentality in mentoring their younger teammates through the process.”
“On the other hand, I admire the veterans’ mentality of guiding their younger teammates through every step of the process.”
Demusis scored four points and grabbed ten rebounds in Rain or Shine’s 90 to 85 loss to Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night, displaying the blue-collar effort he’s always been renowned for.
As the Elasto Painters outrebounded the Kings 57 to 48, he and Belga each had a team-high 10 rebounds.
Unfortunately, Norwood and Nambatac were unavailable, resulting in Rain or Shine’s second loss in three games.
“I’m excited about the change in scenery,” Demusis said, adding that he was quick to move on after being released by Phoenix, the same team that selected him in the second round of the 2020 draft.
“It’s part of the business, part of the game. Trade happens,” he added. No resentment or any hard feelings from the bigman.
Demusis confessed that he was told about a possible trade as early as last season, but nothing came of it. So, when it finally did, it hit him like a ton of bricks.
“When it happened, I was kind of shocked,” he mentioned. “But you have to go in there as part of the business.” No one can tell if the shock is all there is to it. But what we see so far is good athleticism and no bad bread from Demusis. Hopefully all is true about his clear and sportsmanly response to the decision.
On Sunday, Rain or Shine will face his former squad Phoenix, and Demusis is looking forward to the matchup.
Not for anything else, since he stated that he has no animosity toward the Fuel Masters.
“I’m excited more than anything else. I kind of miss those guys, too,” Demusis mentioned.
“At the end of the day, we’re still brothers.”
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