Alaska was very much aware of how risky it could be to plane in a new import mere days before the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
However, the team strongly felt the need to do so. Head coach Jeff Cariaso disclosed that the ‘chronic’ injuries suffered by Olu Ashaolu were the very reason why they decided to replace the veteran forward with Mark St. Fort.
“We know that bringing in an import at this time was a risk,” said the seasoned mentor. “But I think at that point, we just really had no choice.
“It was really hard to replace him, ‘no. But I think in this regard, you have to weigh out the fact that his chronic injuries prevented him from being the Olu that we know. So, the risk there is bringing in a new guy — a healthier guy.”
Ashaolu has been hounded by injuries nearly all throughout the conference. It could be recalled that he hurt his calf in the third quarter of Alaska’s clash with Blackwater last December 22, which they still won, 98-75.
Then he got hurt again afterwards, according to Cariaso, that he was just braving through all of it during the Milkmen’s past few games.
Ashaolu played in all of their elimination round assignments and posted averages of 18.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
“Alam naman natin, he had a calf injury, and then there was a hamstring, tapos shoulder,” he said. “Hindi nawawala ‘yung mga chronic injuries niya. So, we felt that going into the playoffs, we wanted to be healthier, and we made a decision.”
And it was not an easy decision to make since Ashaolu, Cariaso shared, is a professional in every sense of the word that he even likened the 33-year-old’s work ethic to that of the great Sean Chambers.
“Olu is a tremendous professional, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart,” said the former cager turned mentor.
“In regards to work ethic and attitude, he reminds me of Sean Chambers. A guy that comes in and gets along with everyone, works hard, is very demanding from himself and his teammates. But he’s really a good guy off the court.”
St. Ford, meanwhile, debuted on Wednesday against NLEX. He provided what was needed from him with 17 points and 14 rebounds, helping Alaska continue its last dance at least for one more game with a 93-79 victory.
Cariaso said that there remains more work to be done chemistry-wise, though it isn’t lost on him that they’ve only been with him for days.
“You know, jet lag, and chemistry was still not there. And, you know, he’s only been in the Philippines for four days,” he said.
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