By now, everyone knows that Adrian Nocum is a bonafide scorer. 

Nocum has been in the league for nearly three years, but he has operated with the poise of a 10-year veteran. He’s as speedy as they come, but the 24th overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft plays with a certain degree of control that results in shifty drives to the basket and finishes that evade tough defenses. But in reality, he’s more than that. 

Nocum brings more than just points to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, as he also puts in the work on the defensive end. The pressure and the deflections lead to turnovers that he and his teammates are happy to convert into points on the other end. Moreover, Nocum has picked up the minutes of Gian Mamuyac, who was traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters. He’s not completely replacing Mamuyac’s efforts on the court, but he is showing what he can do with more minutes. 

The points have come in bunches, but more opportunities coming Nocum’s way has benefitted the Elasto Painters as a whole. Nocum is currently averaging 7.2 assists per game in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, up there with the likes of Robert Bolick and Juan Gomez De Liano. Rain or Shine’s offense has been flowing and Nocum’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as he was included in the preliminary list of Gilas Pilipinas for next month’s Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. 

However, Nocum has to be careful considering the physical style of play that comes with PBA basketball and the risks that can come with the style of his play. The 26-year old had an injury scare in the Elasto Painters’ last contest versus the Meralco Bolts, one that has blown up into a he said, she said issue from both teams. 

Fortunately for Rain or Shine, Nocum was able to return and while he had struggles on offense, his eight assists proved he remained a vital contributor to the Elasto Painters’ 85-83 victory over the Bolts. As of this writing, there were no further updates on Nocum’s injury but Rain or Shine is happy that they will still play the Fuel Masters on Sunday. 

Time is on their side as Adrian Nocum and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters navigate through this current campaign. They’ve had their ups and downs and fair share of heated moments, but they remain in a favorable position to come out of their group on top. Nocum’s growth has been a major reason for this and given his current trajectory, it’s more likely than not that he will only get better with more chances and more experience.