MANILA, Philippines - Ginebra sophomore wingman Dylan Ababou is out for the rest of season after suffering an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear that will require surgery and rehabilitation of about six to eight months.
Barely back from a hamstring injury, Ababou went down with a torn right ACL in the second quarter of their game against San Mig Coffee at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The former UST top gun is set to go under the knife tomorrow.
Ababou’s exit only compounded Ginebra’s woes with the Kings already struggling with health problems by Kerby Raymundo, Jayjay Helterbrand and Alein Maliksi.
Raymundo is confined in a hospital with flu, Helterbrand is down with a hamstring injury while Maliksi is hurt with a sprained ankle.
Those left in the Ginebra lineup, including four new recruits, find it hard to build chemistry, adding to the misery of the team that has lost all its last five games in the PBA Philippine Cup.
“That’s really our situation now. But we are Ginebra with our never-say-die spirit,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen, trying to remain hopeful despite failing to notch a win in nearly a month or since getting to a 2-0 season start with victories over Globalport and Rain or Shine.
“I’m concentrating on finding ways to make it easier for the players. We’ll make
adjustments where more players are involved,” Tanquingcen also said. “Minsan kasi kayod marino na si Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio.”
The status of Raymundo, Helterbrand and Maliksi might still be uncertain as the Kings meet the Batang Pier in a rematch Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Kings, first, have to check their slump and fare well in their last seven games in the elimination round if they’re to salvage a good position in the playoffs.
They’re currently at joint eight with the Air21 Express at 2-5. Two teams will be out after the elims.
Obviously, the Kings are getting frustrated as seen in their woeful showing against the Alaska Milk Aces and the San Mig Coffee Mixers. Ginebra lost those matches by an average losing margin of 14 points.
“Admittedly, the guys are down, but it’s human nature since we’re losing. But these things happen. It tests your character. It’s up to you if you fight the adversity,” said Tanquingcen.