Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao ruled out Marcio Lassiter from making the FIBA World Cup roster due to his ongoing recovery from a knee injury sustained during San Miguel Beer’s title run in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Guiao said on Friday that Lassiter has made little progress a month since spraining his left MCL while blocking a shot during the Beermen’s quarterfinal victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier.
The national team mentor had earlier hoped for a minor miracle in order for the 32-year-old to make it in time for the Aug. 31 opener against Italy in Foshan, China.
“Nag-usap na kami, di siya aabot (We’ve already agreed that he won’t make it),” Guiao said after Gilas’ 92-83 win over the Adelaide 36ers in their exhibition game at the Meralco Gym.
“Sabi ko sa kanya na pakiramdaman niya kung ano. Sabi niya mahirap kasi pag tinetest niya tuhod niya medyo kumakalog. Sabi ko don’t risk it,” Guiao added. “Pero gustong-gusto niyang makahabol. He felt so bad. He really wants to play in the World Cup.”
Lassiter, though very disappointed, agreed that it was better to focus on the long-term than trying to push himself into making the Gilas cut for the World Cup.
“It’s not the way I like it to feel,” Lassiter said. “I don’t know how to describe it but the feel is off. It’s not stable. That’s just going to take time.” (JONAS TERRADO)
