Calvin Cage made a good impression in his debut with Coca-Cola Saturday but may wait for at least two months to re-join the Tigers in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference.
Cage was found to have suffered an ankle bone crack after undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test upon their return from Panabo City, Davao del Norte Sunday.
The exciting 5-foot-9 Coke import sustained the injury on a bad fall late in the third quarter in their game against the Talk n Text Phone Pals.
The Coca-Cola coaching staff is now in search of a temporary replacement as the team is keen on keeping Cage’s services.
"Calvin getting injured is very unfortunate as he brings a brand of basketball that fans love to see. We will do what we can to fill the gap that Calvin leaves, hopefully temporarily," said JB Baylon, the team representative to the PBA Board.
"He’s staying here. We are taking care of him. We will do what we can to ensure his speedy recovery and return," Baylon added.
The former University of Buffalo Bull sparked a Coca-Cola rally before sustaining his injury late in the third quarter, then his teammates picked up from where he left off as they ripped the Pals, 87-79, in the tournament opener.
Cage, subbing for Bobby Burries who measured above the 6-foot-1 ceiling for second imports, scattered 19 points, grabbed three rebounds and had an assist before leaving the game ahead of the others.
Jason Dixon, the team’s big import standing at 6-foot-9, held his ground against Aaron McGhee, finishing with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
The Tigers are up next against the Purefoods TJ Giants Saturday.
Meanwhile, Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said he wants Junthy Valenzuela in his team but he has no recourse but to obey team management if it has its own plans with the reliable 6-foot-1 swingman.
Guiao chose not to field in Valenzuela in their game against Barangay Ginebra Sunday since the two teams were apparently on the final stage of their negotiations for a trade involving the Cebuano player and the Kings’ Sunday Salvacion.
"He’s our leader on and off the court. That’s how valuable Junthy is to our team," said Guiao. "But I will not stand on the way if the management has its plans. My job is to coach and win games for the team."
Cyrus Baguio shone bright in the absence of Valenzuela, making 23 points in Red Bull’s 89-83 spanking of the Kings.
"Baka pati si Cyrus kunin na rin sa amin," said Guiao, in jest, as he entered the Araneta Coliseum press room for the post-game interview.
Kerby Raymundo, Enrico Villanueva, Lordy Tugade and Larry Fonacier were four former Red Bull stars acquired by the SMC group in earlier trade deals.
Valenzuela and Mick Pennisi are the two remaining members of the original Red Bull team in 2000.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico admitted there’s an ongoing negotiation but he’s yet to be advised if it’s already a done deal. (NC)
Source: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2042/1/
|
No comments:
Post a Comment