Coach Gregorio worries over Purefoods' future
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/27/2008 11:18 PM
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Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio is wary over his team’s future for the rest of this KFC-PBA Philippine Cup conference now that two of his key players are in the injury list.
Former Most Valuable Player James Yap and veteran point guard Roger Yap have been playing hurt during their last few games.
"These are trying times for us," Gregorio said in a report posted on PBA.ph.
James, the team's leading scorer, is hurting with a sprain on both ankles and a bad back. He has swelling in between the fourth and fifth vertebrates in his spinal column.
"He's been complaining about it for the longest time. It's not often that you see James saying ‘coach I can't play anymore'," said Gregorio.
Those nagging injuries kept James on the bench after scoring 12 points in 10 minutes against the Ginebra last Sunday. They beat the Gin Kings, 92-89, to snap a four-game slump
Roger, on the other hand, is nursing a severe right knee contusion he sustained during their 84-88 overtime defeat to Rain or Shine last Thursday.
Gregorio said Roger could miss four to five games.
"As it is right now with an intact lineup, I don't think we're as strong as the other teams,” Gregorio said.
While they are short-handed with two very good players, Gregorio stressed that he is not about to raise the white flag.
"Injury caught up with James and Roger. But in some way, their absence brought some good things for the team because guys like Aaron [Aban] and Topex [Robinson] are rising to the challenge.
"Definitely, it's going to be a rough conference for us. But we will always find ways to win in the end," Gregorio said.
