Shaun Ildefonso, a sophomore, is being taught how to play the point by Coach Yeng Guiao, and two former Rain or Shine players act as models for the player in terms of playmaking.

As he attempts to transition into a new role with the Elasto Painters, Ildefonso cited Paul Lee and Jericho Cruz as the point guards he watches.

The child of two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso admits going up to Lee and asking him how to manage the backcourt because Guiao was said to have discussed his intention to shift Shaun to the point with the seasoned Magnolia guard.

Ildefonso acknowledged that he went to Paul first for the suggestions. When Guiao coached his former star player at the All-Star weekend in Iloilo last March, he revealed to Lee his ambitions. He also claimed that from his time in high school to his time in college, he always tended to play the 4 position. The only time he switched to become a point guard was during his final season at National University under Coach Jeff Napa.

However, Guiao believes that turning the stocky, 6-foot-1 Ildefonso into a large point guard is necessary because Rain or Shine’s backcourt, which is composed of Anton Asistio and Andrei Caracut, lacks size.

Ildefonso thinks the transfer is going well so far, but his playmaking may use a lot more work.

He watches videos of Kyrie Irving and Cruz, another ex-Rain or Shine player, among other actors.

Ildefonso scored a game-high 19 points on 3-of-7 three-point shooting for the Elasto Painters in their lopsided 127-110 victory against Converge on Friday in the PBA On Tour at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

In the game on Friday, Rain or Shine relied on a strong start to defeat Converge 127-110.

The Elasto Painters sprinted to a 28-11 lead in the first quarter behind hot shooting, and they finished the period leading by 21.

In the first period alone, the Elasto Painters shot 17 of 30 shots from the field (56 percent) and 6 of 10 from beyond the arc (60 percent), establishing the tone for the lopsided contest.

The inspiring victory followed Rain or Shine’s heartbreaking loss to Barangay Ginebra, which ended 108-107.

While ending the FiberXers’ two-game winning streak, the Elasto Painters climbed to 5-1 in the preseason.

Both Anton Asistio and Shaun Ildefonso scored 20 and 19, respectively, as they both contributed to the early Rain or Shine breakaway.

Leonard Santillan contributed 12, Rey Nambatac, who was recently signed to a contract extension, added 17, and Nick Demusis contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.

Despite sophomore big man Justin Arana’s 25 points, 18 rebounds, and Adrian Wong’s 5-of-6 shooting from three-point range to end with 20 points, Converge is now 3-4.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 127 – Asistio 20, Ildefonso 19, Nambatac 17, Santillan 12, Demusis 10, Mamuyac 13, Caracut 9, Belo 8, Belga 6, Clarito 9, Borboran 4.

Converge 110 – Arana 25, Wong 20, Racial 19, Nieto 19, Stockton 14, Ambohot 5, Luib 3, Ebona 0, Zaldivar 5.

Quarter scores: 41-20; 65-56; 98-72; 127-110.