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| Luis Villegas' Rain Or Shine debut has to wait for a little longer. PBA Images (file photo) |
MAKATI--Luis Villegas will still not be activated for Rain Or Shine as it begins its PBA Philippine Cup quest on Wednesday.
Head coach Yeng Guiao revealed on Thursday during the formal launch of the league's new partnership with sports outfitter Anta at New World Makati Hotel that Villegas' road to recovery from an ACL injury hit a late snag.
"We're a little disappointed kasi hindi namin maihahabol si Luis Villegas sa opening games. It might take a little bit more time to get back, but I think mahahabol niya yung All-Filipino," Guiao said.
"OK na sana siya. Yung rehab niya was going well. Sumasama na siya doon sa mga drills namin na non-contact, but one day, he was working out on his own. Nag-buckle yung knee niya. Nagkaroon ng inflammation. So binalik namin sa doktor. Ang sabi, i-set back muna namin yung pagbabalik niya."
Guiao then said that the setback was fine with them and they would not rush Villegas' recovery.
Guiao then said that Villegas' PBA 5-on-5 debut could take place by the middle of the elimination round.
"He should be good by March," Guiao said.
Villegas hurt his ACL while playing for TNT in the PBA 3x3, but he still decided to throw his name to the 5-on-5 draft last year.
The Elasto Painters took the gamble and picked him third overall, just before they went for another 3x3 star, Keith Datu, at fourth.
Datu has since become a key player for ROS in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, especially during a six-game winning streak that catapulted them to the quarterfinals despite a 0-5 start.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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