MANILA, Philippines: Rain or Shine enters the long break still in a precarious situation in the Season 48 PBA Philippine Cup.
At 1-4, the Elasto Painters are far from their goal of punching in a spot in the eight-team playoffs.
But coach Yeng Guiao admits that goal will be much more difficult moving forward, considering that rookie big man Keith Datu will be out for at least six weeks due to an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury on his knee.
Datu sustained his knee injury during the early goings of Rain or Shine’s match against Barangay Ginebra on March 8, a game that saw Guiao’s wards absorb a narrow 107-113 loss.
While the 6-foot-7 Datu averaged just 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds through three games, Guiao admits the freshman big would have added size and an intimidating inside presence.
“Keith Datu is a big factor for the team. We missed his presence especially against our game against San Miguel because Beau Belga was left to bang bodies with their (Beermen) big men in that game,” Guiao noted, where ROS suffered a 109-97 beating.
With Rain or Shine already halfway through the elimination round, Guiao admitted they are preparing for the eventuality of not having Datu at all in the lineup.
“He’s still six weeks out according to the doctor. So maybe he’ll be available only in the next all-Filipino (next season) so we’re preparing for the worst, hoping for the best,” he said. “Still, we hope he can make it back though we are preparing as if he can’t make it (back to the team) anymore.”
Without another quality big man, Guiao said they are now forced to switch Leonard Santillan at the four spot.
“I would have wanted Santi to play the wing spot because that’s where he has the advantage, but we don’t have a choice,” explained Guiao.
“Without Keith we need to put him (Santillan) at the 4 spot.”
Rain or Shine scored its first win in the tournament after manhandling an injury-depleted Phoenix side, 100-85 on Sunday.
ROS returns to action against winless Converge on April 3.