Health is always a crucial factor in every team’s campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup, especially at the halfway mark of the elimination round where every game counts.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is now relishing the opportunity of seeing his key players rejoining the team slowly but surely and he hopes that they could remain healthy as they continue their campaign in the crucial stretch of the tournament.
“Yun ang importante, we’re just hoping that we can stay healthy,” said Guiao on the heels of his team’s inspiring 119-105 win over the erstwhile unbeaten Magnolia Hotshots.
“Mostly, medyo nakumpleto namin yung line up namin. Medyo maganda nilaro ni Keith (Datu). Maganda nilaro ni Gabe (Norwood) kahit na si Gabe was not able to practice for the part last week. He has a pulled hamstring pero sabi niya kaya niya. Si Caelan (Tiognson) medyo hindi na nakabalik dahil he tweaked his ankle.”
Rain or Shine started the season minus two of its main front court personnel in veteran center Beau Belga and Keith Datu.
Belga was sidelined by vertigo that forced him to miss action for more than a month.
Datu, on the other hand, was sidelined by a right calf injury that sidelined him for six weeks, but he immediately made his presence felt as soon as he returned in tip-top condition.
In their 120-106 victory against Blackwater last May 7, Datu dropped a career-high 27 points and in dealing the Hotshots their first ever loss this conference, he was also a key figure as he contributed 10 markers.
Belga is still trying to feel his way around but against Magnolia where he only played five minutes, he chipped in seven markers.
Tiongson, probably the team’s best defender outside of Norwood, had eight markers and completed only eight points.
For the most part since joining the Elasto Painters this season, Tiongson has been in and out of the line up, dealing with various injuries, but was a warrior each time he’s being able to play.
The Elasto Painters will definitely need their full healthy roster as they chase a playoff berth. With a 4-2 record, the team is not in the safest position, but seeing his players getting back on by one makes Guiao feeling a little bit more upbeat on the team’s chances.
“Hinahabol pa naming yung six wins. Para makasigurado ka na nasa second round ka or quarterfinals. We’re 4-2 right now. May mabigat pa kaming laro on Wednesday against TNT. Yun naman ang paghahandaan namin,” he added.
