TnT Katropa is hoping against all hopes of having veteran guard Ryan Reyes back in the remaining games of the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals against San Miguel.
Coach Bong Ravena said that while there's a slim chance of Reyes suiting up again in the best-of-seven title series currently tied at 2-2, the team is not going to force the guard to play if it would only compromise his health.
The 36-year-old Fil-Am suffered a calf injury in Game 1 of the finals and hasn't been back for the Katropa since.
"Ang alam ko kasi four weeks yung (timetable) sa injury niya. Hindi pa natin alam kung kaya niya," said Ravena.
"Kung pipilitan niya naman, baka lumala lang."
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Although now in the twilight of his playing career, Reyes is still considered one of the best perimeter defenders of TnT, who also has a reliable outside shooting.
The loss of Reyes further decimated an already short playoffs rotation for the Katropa, who have been relying on just six players getting heavy minutes in the finals.
Ravena is keeping his fingers crossed on Reyes' possible return.
"Depende pa, e. Everyday he's getting better. I just hope makahabol siya," said the TnT mentor.
What is certain though, is Anthony Semerad's case.
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"Si Tony definitely hindi na talaga puwede. Out na siya for the series," Ravena said.
Tony Semerad injured his shoulder following a hard collision with Barangay Ginebra import Justine Brownlee during Game 1 of their semifinals series.
Both Reyes and Semerad only attend the daily practices of TnT, but doesn't join the team scrimmage. (RG)
