The official signing of the three incoming rookies was conducted on Monday at the team’s Asian Coating corporate head office in Pasig.

Santillan was the fifth overall pick in the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft and has already signed a three-year contract with the Elasto Painters. 

The 6-foot-5 forward and product of the University of Visayas and later, La Salle, will add fuel power in the frontline as he is going to connect with the big men of the squad such as Beau Belga, Jewel Ponferrada, Norbert Torres, new acquisition Bradwyn Guinto, and incoming sophomores Vince Tolentino and Prince Rivero.

Second-round selections Franky Johnson and Anton Asistio also locked separate deals, two-years and one-year deals respectively.

Fil-Am Johnson, the 17th overall pick, will aid in defense and in punching points while Ateneo guard Asistio, the 22nd overall pick, will strengthen the defensive half for the Elasto Painters which currently has Rey Nambatac and Adrian Wong.

The three young gunners will bolster the lineup in the upcoming PBA season under new head coach Chris Gavina, who was appointed last month in replacement of longtime mentor Caloy Garcia.

The contract signing happened in the presence of their manager Marvin Espiritu of Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management who negotiated with Rain or Shine governor Mamerto Mondragon.

Joining the rookies are Andrei Caracut who was the 11th pick of the second round, Kenneth Mocon in the third round, RJ Argamino in the fourth round, and Philip Manalang in the fifth round.