Mac Belo now a free agent after being released by Rain or Shine

Mac Belo now a free agent after being released by Rain or Shine

MAC Belo faces another career reboot at age 31 after being released by Rain or Shine at the end of his one-year contract with the PBA ballclub.

RoS coach Yeng Guiao confirmed on Monday that the former national player and FEU star is now a free agent after just one season with the Elasto Painters, where he has struggled to find his place in a youth-laden core.

Rain or Shine acquired the 6-3 Belo in exchange for Norbert Torres in a 2023 trade with Meralco but never cracked the team's rotation.

A pick of Blackwater in the 2016 PBA special draft, Belo saw minimal minutes in nine games in the PBA Philippine Cup, averaging 3.44 points and 2.44 rebounds in a grand total of 75 minutes for the Elasto Painters.

Guiao said the Rain or Shine medical team did a good job keeping Belo healthy the whole season after struggling with injuries during his time with Blackwater and Meralco, which acquired him in a 2021 trade for Baser Amer and Bryan Faundo.

Guiao explains Belo predicament 

"Mac was healthy when he was with us and he was playing well, but ang problema he was often out of position," Guiao said.

"He's comfortable playing the 4 position, but maliit s'ya for the position at kulang s'ya sa bulk to be effective," he added. "Kapag linagay mo naman sa tres, we found that he's slow for that position, especially with how we play."

Guiao said he doesn't see Belo cracking the RoS rotation next season with Luis Villegas, the team's No. 3 pick in the last PBA draft, set to be reactivated next season to join a frontline led by fellow freshman Keith Datu, Santi Santillan, and Beau Belga.

Mac Belo

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

Additionally, Guiao and the Elasto Painters expect more big men to come in since they own two first-round picks as well as the No. 1 selection of the second round in the next PBA Rookie Draft set in July.

There were reports that a number of MPBL teams are interested in signing the veteran forward. Guiao sees Belo standing out in the regional league.

"Malaki s'ya for the MPBL," he said. "I'm sure he'll do well there."