Coach Yeng Guiao (PNA file photo)
MANILA -- Coach Yeng Guiao is hopeful that Marcio Lassiter will be able to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas Men despite a knee injury he suffered during San Miguel's PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal game against NorthPort.
"We're not giving up on our hope yet," Guiao said on Thursday night after the national team practice on Thursday night at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
Lassiter hurt his knee after colliding with Garvo Lanete in the second quarter of their knockout showdown on Wednesday night, and it was revealed that he sprained his medial cruciate ligament.
An MCL sprain usually takes six weeks to heal, which means Lassiter will sit out the rest of the playoffs and possibly Gilas Men's stint in the FIBA World Cup.
However, Guiao stays positive. "Baka gumaling nang mabilis (He might heal fast)," he said.
He said he would quickly bring Lassiter back to Gilas Men if he indeed returns sooner than expected.
"He's still part of the pool... He will always have a slot in the team if he will become okay, " Guiao said. (PNA)
