NORMAN Black is keeping his fingers crossed guard Chris Banchero would be healthy enough not only to play but also contribute as Meralco tries to extend its season in the PBA Governors Cup finals on Wednesday.
Like Barangay Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar (calf), Banchero is also hurt for the entire best-of-seven title series, quietly playing through the pain of the injury he suffered as early as the semifinals against Magnolia.
In the Bolts' 115-110 loss in Game 4, the Fil-Italian playmaker was held to just two points on 1-of-5 shooting and only had a single assist.
And in five games so far in the finals, Banchero's numbers were down to 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, while shooting 33 percent from the field.
Despite the limited production, Black is taking his hat off to Banchero, acquired by the Bolts as an unrestricted free agent midway in the season-ending tournament.
Sponsored content: "I'll talk to Chris and finds out how he feels. In fairness to him, he's actually been playing hurt. I'm more grateful that he's out there on the basketball court giving it a try," said the Meralco coach.
"I would like to give Chris more minutes, there's no question about that. He's just playing hurt for quite a while and he's still injured up to now."
The Bolts are now down in the series for the first time, 3-2, and will try to live for another day when Game 6 is played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Black could only hope Banchero will be healthy enough to answer the call for Meralco.
"Hopefully he shows up on Wednesday and give us some production because that's been one of our biggest problems right now," said the grand slam coach. (RG)
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