Deo Cuajao Inks One-Year Contract with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Former Holy Child College of Davao Red Eagles standout Deo Cuajao has officially signed a one-year contract with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, marking a significant step in his professional basketball career. The 25-year-old native of Midsayap recently finalized the deal, reuniting with former Letran Knights teammates Jun Roque and Mark Omega in the process.
A Dream Realized from the PBA Rookie Draft
Cuajao was selected as the 22nd overall pick in the second round of the PBA Rookie Draft held in September last year. In a Messenger interview with SunStar Davao, he described the draft moment as surreal, stating, "Dili ko makalimot, na-zoned out jud ko pagtawag sakoang pangalan sa kadaghan og players (I won't forget it; I really 'zoned out' when my name was called among so many players)." He added, "Dream come true gyud, maka-pirma og 1-year contract (Signing a one-year contract is truly a dream come true)," recalling the intense one-week pre-draft training for limited slots.
Professional Adjustment and Focus on Team Dynamics
Three weeks into training with Rain or Shine, Cuajao reported that he is adjusting well to the new environment. He shared, "So far, sa three weeks, okay kaayo ang vibes. Panagsa ma-differentiate namo ang lahi-lahi nga disiplina kay lahi-lahi man og gigikanan nga team (So far, the vibes are great. We're learning to adjust to different disciplines since we all come from different systems)." Emphasizing his commitment, he arrives early for solo drills before the 9 a.m. team sessions, striving to embody professionalism and be remembered as a dedicated and reliable player.
Cuajao also expressed excitement about playing alongside former teammates and players he has long admired. He highlighted his goals for the rookie season, saying, "Depensa og pag-stick sa role ang gusto nako nga ma-remember (Defense and sticking to my role are what I want to be remembered for)."
Humble Beginnings and Family Support
Basketball runs deep in Cuajao’s family. Growing up in Midsayap, he honed his skills in inter-purok, inter-color, and inter-barangay leagues, training under the guidance of his father, June Cuajao. His high school career flourished at Holy Child College of Davao under coaches Ating Sorosara and Roger Rabago, whom he refers to as "legends."
Cuajao made his debut in Uaap Season 82 in 2019 with the UST Growling Tigers under Coach Aldin Ayo. Following the "Sorsogon Bubble" controversy, he transferred to the De La Salle Green Archers for Uaap Season 84 in 2021. He later joined the Letran Knights for three NCAA seasons, facing his brother Ian Cuajao of the San Sebastian Golden Stags in his final year—both products of Holy Child College of Davao.
Reflecting on his professional leap, Cuajao emphasized the unwavering support of his family. He recounted, "Pagchat gyud nako sa GC nga 'PBA Player nako,' niadto gyud dayon si Papa og simbahan (The moment I told the group chat 'I'm a PBA player,' my dad went straight to church)." He urged young athletes to keep dreaming big and work diligently to turn those dreams into reality.
This report was contributed by Justeene P. Sayson and Kimberly Reponte, SunStar Interns/DNSC.
