Injuries deplete Gilas Phl to 10 men

GUANGZHOU – With Japeth Aguilar and Sol Mercado out with injuries, Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas is down to 10 players heading into the crucial stage of its campaign in the Asian Games basketball competitions.

Aguilar has been out since sustaining an injury in a tune-up game with Dongguan team last Nov. 11 and is out of the Games with a partial posterior collateral ligament tear. Mercado is sidelined by injuries on both feet.

However, sports orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas, who checked on Aguilar Friday in Manila, said no operation is needed but added that he must rest for six to eight weeks.

Canlas said Aguilar needs to start rehabilitation soon.

Mercado played with a strained right ankle in Smart Gilas’ first three games here. He attends a daily therapy session in the athletes’ village, hoping to recover in time for the knockout stage.

“I still have a heel injury. It hasn’t gotten better. I over-compensated with my left and now I have a plantar fasciitis problem (on both feet),” said Mercado.

“It’s very frustrating because I’m looking forward to play for the National team and help these guys. Now, I’m on the bench and can’t help any,” Mercado said.

The 5-foot-11 workhorse sustained the injury in his last game with Rain or Shine in the PBA before joining the Nationals here.

With Mercado out, coach Rajko Toroman didn’t have much option at the backcourt in their game versus Japan Friday.

“Sol is a great warrior. I hope he can recover in two to three days,” said Toroman.

Asiad Notes: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala said the SBP had worked in earnest on Marcus Douthit’s naturalization papers so he could join the Gilas team in Asiad, “The SBP did everything it could given the time constraints brought about by the legislative calendar. since Congress resumed late due to the Presidential elections,” he said.

“In reality, the naturalization process takes years to complete and congressional records will bear this out. Yet we finished the naturalization of Marcus in less than one month. All it now needs is the signature of the President – an act the SBP has no control over,” he said.