DESPITE notching a second straight win in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after a 107-93 whipping of reigning champion San Miguel Beer, Rain or Shine does not have the benefit of a healthy Gian Mamuyac and Luis Villegas around.
The two key players are nursing separate injuries and not part of the Elasto Painters' active roster in the mid-season conference.
Mamuyac just underwent surgery for a fractured right hand, while Villegas continues to endure a knee injury that has been bothering him for more than a year now after going down with an ACL injury just months before turning pro.
While the 25-year-old guard out of Ateneo is expected to be sidelined for three months, the 6-foot-8 center from University of the East has been ruled out for the rest of Season 49 by no less than coach Yeng Guiao as he's set to undergo reconstruction surgery on his operated knee.
"The suggestion of the doctor was to reconstruct. May surgery ulit siya at titingnan kung paano mapapabuti pa for the long term," Guiao disclosed after the team improved to a 2-1 record late Tuesday night.
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But Guiao said the team is willing to wait for Villegas to fully heal from his coming surgery, stressing the Elasto Painters have faith on the no. 3 overall pick in the last Season 48 draft.
"Magti-tiyaga na kami kasi nakikita namin may potential talaga si Luis. So tiyaga na naman, hintay na naman after nung reconstruction ng tuhod niya," added the Rain or Shine coach.
While Villegas won't be back until next season, Mamuyac could be joining the Elasto Painters by the semis or playoffs, provided they reach that far in the conference.
"Si Mamu sinusubukan namin ihabol kung aabot kami ng semis or playoffs. Kaya sana maka-playoffs kami para maihabol siya," said Guiao. (RG)
