Ailing Wesley out of RP cagers debut vs Thais

HO CHI MINH (Via Globe Telecom) – Wesley Gonzales, who remained under observation with allergy attack at the RP delegation medical clinic at Rex Hotel here yesterday, was already declared out of the Philippines’ debut game versus Thailand in the SEA Games men’s basketball competition tomorrow.

RP delegation medical team head Dr. Alex Pineda made the announcement after seeing little improvement on Gonzales’ condition despite medical treatment and application of intravenous fluids on the player.

"Nag-subside na ng kaunti yung allergy but he’s still under medication and under observation," said Pineda.

The RP delegation medical chief said the allergy was traced to a medicine Gonzales taken while still in Manila. "Delayed ang response noong katawan ni Wesley," the doctor said.

Gonzales, the versatile forward from Ateneo, has been confined in the RP medical clinic the last three days and was still complaining of itchiness.

After holding practice yesterday morning, coach Aric del Rosario and his players visited Gonzales in the clinic.

Gonzales has already missed four practice sessions and, worse, may miss the entire tournament.

"After Sunday, day to day ang kaso niya," said Pineda.

After taking on the Thais Sunday at 8:30 p.m., the Nationals then play the Vietnamese on Tuesday, the Singaporeans Wednesday, the Indonesians Thursday and the Malaysians Saturday.

"We’re still hopeful Wesley can join us. Hinabol nga namin siya sa lineup natin dahil kailangan namin siya," said Del Rosario. — Nelson Beltran