MANILA, Philippines – With the Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel Kings fighting for their lives in another do-or-die game, Mark Caguioa’s playing status remains a big question mark.
Caguioa is itching to play. And so is Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua in fielding him in.
But the status of the Ginebra superstar remains a “game-time decision†in tonight’s do-or-die game against the Philippine Cup champions Talk n Text Tropang Texters.
“Alam ko gigil na gigil ng maglaro si Mark. Ganun rin ako. Gigil na gigil na rin akong gamitin siya. Sino ba namang hindi di ba? But I want the doctor’s clearance first kasi ang hirap eh. The last time he injured his knee, isang taon siyang hindi nakalaro nun,†Chua told Philstar.com after the Kings’ light practice yesterday at the Jacinto Tiu Sports Center in Xavier School.
Caguioa, who did his own shooting drills and some one-on-one simulations while the rest of the team went through their plays in the other end of the court, said he feels a lot better now and ready to go but remained cautious not to rush things.
“Gigil na gigil na akong maglaro. Lalo do-or-die game. It will depend on coach Al,†Caguioa said.
“Actually [before Game 4], napag-usapan na namin ‘to ni coach Al. He asked me how I felt and I told him I’m feeling Ok now but the team played well as planned so there was no need for me to go in. If we played the same way we did the previous night [Game 3], then baka pumasok ako to spark the team,†Caguioa added. “The thing is, I don’t want to be the guy na makasira sa chemistry ng team.â€
The reigning MVP has been out of commission for almost two months now after he sustained an MCL injury in the middle of the Kings’ six-game winning streak during the eliminations. But Caguioa took the first step to finally returning to active duty when he played some minutes in the PBA All Stars-Gilas Pilipinas exhibition game during the All Star Week in Digos City, Davao del Sur last week.