DASMARINAS, Cavite - Yeng Guiao isn't certain on when rookie Caelan Tiongson will be back for Rain or Shine and help its cause in its ongoing PBA Governors' Cup semifinals battle against TNT.
The Elasto Painters coach said there's no clear timeline yet on whether the 6-foot-5 Tiongson is still able to play again in the season-opening conference or not at all.
Tiongson, chosen as the no. 7 overall pick by the franchise in the last draft, has been grounded by a calf strain since the quarterfinals series against Magnolia.
He continues to miss games for the team including Sunday's 110-109 Game 3 win over the Tropang Giga at the Dasmarinas City Arena.
"Hindi ko alam kung kailan. Hindi namin alam," said Guiao when asked to update about the possible return of the rookie big.
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From the looks of it, Tiongson's absence on the court may still take quite a bit longer as he has yet to join the Elasto Painters in practice.
"He's actually getting better. Now he's able to shoot around, but still not able to practice for the team," said Guiao of the rookie.
Tiongson's presence is indeed, badly missed by Rain or Shine in the playoffs since Guiao considers him as the team's top defender against imports of opposing teams.
"Caelan is our import stopper, (import) defender," he said.
In Tiongson's absence, Jhonard Clarito and Gabe Norwood alternated in taking talented TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on defense.
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"With the injury to Caelan, Jhonard and Gabe had to take care of our defensive assignments," Guiao added.
The Elasto Painters finally broke through the best-of-seven series, and the longer they extend the semifinals duel, the better for Tiongson's possible return. Hopefully. (RG)
