INJURED. Marcio Lassiter, the wingman of San Miguel is out of Gilas Men's Final 12 for FIBA World Cup. He suffered a Grade 2 medial cruciate ligament sprain in PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal game against NorthPort on July 24. (Photo courtesy of PBA)
MANILA -- The Gilas Pilipinas Men's bid for the FIBA World Cup suffered a huge blow as Coach Yeng Guiao has announced that Marcio Lassiter is now ruled out of the Final 12.
"Hindi na. Wala na (No chance)," Guiao said on Friday night after the national team's 92-83 win against National Basketball League side Adelaide 36ers in a tuneup game at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.
Lassiter, arguably the best three-point shooter in the pool, was expected to be Gilas Men's "deadshot" for the FIBA worlds, which will begin next Saturday in Foshan, China.
However, the San Miguel wingman suffered a Grade 2 medial cruciate ligament sprain in the second quarter of his team's PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal game against NorthPort on July 24.
Recovery from the injury usually takes at least six weeks, which means he could only become available for Gilas Men if they get past the first round of the FIBA worlds.
The Gilas Men are grouped in a tough company that also has Italy, Serbia, and Angola in it. "Hindi na siya aabot (He will not be able to make it)," Guiao said.
With Lassiter officially out of the final lineup, Gilas Men will now rely on Matt Wright for the three-point barrage.
However, Wright is also in injury bay as he hurt his ankle during practice this past week, and he was not suited up in Gilas Men's tuneup against the 36ers.
Still, Gilas Men showed heart, especially RR Pogoy, who dropped eight points in a crucial 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter that helped them pull away from the 36ers. (PNA)
