Rain or Shine center Raymond Almazan is set to make his return in the playoffs of the PBA Philippine Cup after missing the E-Painters' last three games in the eliminations due to a sprained ankle.
It was the same injury that forced the lanky big man to miss the team's first two games of the conference.
Almazan reinjured his left ankle while training with Team Pilipinas in preparation for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Coach Caloy Garcia said the coaching staff pondered on whether to suit up Almazan for Friday's 88-85 victory over the Meralco Bolts but eventually opted to give the Almazan more time to rest injury.
"I think he'll make it (sa playoffs)," Garcia said. "Dapat pipilitin sana namin siya (against Meralco) pero sabi ng doctor kulang pa sa injection so we don't want to hurry it.
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"Si Raymond, gigil na gigil na yan maglaro. Actually, the last two days (of practice) sumasama na siya at tinututukan niya talaga ang therapy niya," he added.
Almazan averaged 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 blocks in six elimination round appearances. (JT)
