Stanley Pringle Takes the Reins: Signs Two-Year Deal with Rain or Shine

on
by Cris Andal

Stanley Pringle (center) shoots a jumpshot over Rain or Shine's Leonard Santillan. Photo: PBA Images.

In a bold career move that has the PBA world buzzing, veteran guard Stanley Pringle, 38, has inked a two-year deal with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. The former Terrafirma Dyip sharpshooter officially joined the Elasto Painters this Tuesday, taking full advantage of unrestricted free agency amid his former franchise’s uncertain future.

Pringle’s decision marks a pivotal moment—not only for him, but for Rain or Shine. The Elasto Painters have been searching for veteran leadership behind the scenes after yet another painful semifinal exit at the hands of TNT Tropang 5G during this season’s Philippine Cup. With their current backcourt beset by inexperience, the arrival of a seasoned scorer like Pringle could be the missing link needed to push the young guards—Adrian Nocum, Andrei Caracut, Anton Asistio, and Felix Lemetti—over the hump.

Photo: PBA Media Bureau.

Once the PBA’s No. 1 overall pick in 2014, Pringle has a résumé that speaks volumes—four PBA titles, a Best Player of the Conference honor, and a reputation as one of the league’s most prolific offensive threats. Even at Terrafirma, he averaged a sturdy 13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game last conference, earning his place among the league’s elite veterans.

But perhaps more important than his stats is Pringle’s role as a mentor. Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao now has a proven playmaker who can guide the team’s younger backcourt in high-pressure moments—a resource that could mean the difference between contention and disappointment in crucial playoff battles.

This move arrives against the backdrop of Terrafirma’s uncertain fate. With franchise talks in limbo and a rumored sale on the horizon, Pringle chose proactivity over patience—an approach earning admiration from fans and analysts alike. “He’s taking control of his future,” one sports insider remarked, referencing Pringle’s refusal to be stymied by uncertain circumstances.

Photo: PBA Images.

For Rain or Shine, the timing couldn’t be better. The team is still smarting from consecutive semifinal defeats in the Governors' and Commissioner’s Cups—failures often attributed to a lack of composure and leadership during crunch time. Now, they have a player who’s not just capable of delivering buckets, but also of stabilizing the game with veteran savvy and confidence.

As for Pringle, this is more than a contract—it’s a fresh chapter. A chance to once again chase a championship, to shape a new generation of players, and to prove that at 38, he still has plenty left in the tank. Rain or Shine’s new “Stan” is here—and basketball Manila should be watching.