STAR has managed to go unbeaten while Marc Pingris sat it out.
With Pingris now back in harness and Gilas Pilipinas member Jio Jalalon also back, the Hotshots come in full force when they tackle a Rain or Shine crew on a mini-run of its own in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Star is gunning for a fifth straight win that would solidify its hold on the leadership and the return of Pingris from a five-month layoff due to a hip injury, and Jalalon should give Star coach Chito Victolero additional weapons.
Still, Victolero knows it won't be easy going against the Elasto Painters who are currently on a two-game roll.
"We need to be consistent on both ends of the floor, especially our transition defense," said Victolero.
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Expected to make things tougher for Star is the return of Rain or Shine's own Gilas campaigners in Gabe Norwood and Raymond Almazan, who are both expected to give import J'Nathan Bullock plenty of help.
"We need to play together for 48 minutes because we know Rain or Shine is very tough to beat with their new import and their Gilas players," noted Victolero.
"We prepared hard for this game and my players know our gameplan so we just need to execute and give our best effort."
Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia wants the same from his players, more so against a Star squad which has beaten his crew thrice in as many meetings this season.
"We are playing the only team who haven't lost yet and we haven't beaten this season," said Garcia before baring his basic gameplan.
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"If we can come out with the same energy that we had the last game and stop their shooters then we might have a chance at beating Star," stated Garcia. "We have to come out strong and respect their shooters."
Of primary concern for the E-Painters is not only stifling Hotshots import Malcolm Hill (22.7 points, 9.33 rebounds and 3.33 assists per game) but also symieing main snipers Paul Lee, Allein Maliksi, PJ Simon and Aldrech Ramos.
There is where the likes of Maverick Ahanmisi, Jericho Cruz, Beau Belga, James Yap and Mark Borboran come in as they try give support to Bullock, usually good for 20 points and 12 caroms an outing.
