NON APPREHENSIVE FOR CAGUIOA
DAVAO City – If Robert Non will have his way Mark Caguioa should complete rehabilitation on his injured knee before seeing any kind of basketball action.
But Barangay Ginebra’s representative to the PBA Board and current league chairman can’t, especially in the face of public clamor for the realization of a dream team-up and the player’s own insistence.
“It’s up to him,” said Non of the reigning MVP, who is set to join fellow superstar James Yap in the All-Stars Selection facing Gilas Pilipinas in the centerpiece event Sunday of the PBA All-Stars Weend at the Davao del Sur Coliseum in Digos City.
“Siya ang makaka-gauge ng husto kung p’wede na siya. Mahirap naman kung p’wersahin niya, baka ma-aksidente pa siya ulit,” added Non. “Also, at the same time, nakakahiya naman sa mga fans. They are paying good money to see him and James playing together. Kahit ako gusto ko ring makita iyon.”
The team-up is the first-ever for Caguioa and Yap, who have played against each other as members of the North and South, respectively, in past editions of the league’s mid-season offering to the fans.
For his part, Yap is also receiving treatment for a bulging disc on his lower back. But it is Caguioa’s injury which nags at Non more.
Ginebra’s acknowledged leader suffered the injury to his left medial collateral ligament late in the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations and has missed nine games in all, including the first two matches of the Kings’ best-of-five semifinals duel with Talk N Text, currently tied at one game apiece.
The two have been named to the All-Stars team before suffering their respective injuries and, according to PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, the two are definitely being fielded but may see limited action.
The final rehab session on Caguioa’s knee is set next Friday and if the results are as hoped he should finally see action in the semis’ Game 4 later that day.
Such high stakes are fueling Non’s apprehensions. “Any player will not allow himself to be just a decoration on the court, especially Mark,” he said.
“Knowing Mark, kapag naglaro iyan, laro talaga, walang medya-medya,” added Non. “Palagi kasi niyang iniisip ang mga fans.” (NC)
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