Carl Bryan Cruz will not see action for Blackwater when the PBA resumes its pandemic-stalled Season 45 in Clark, Pampanga this October.
The 6-foot-4 stretch forward is staying home as he continues his therapy following a knee surgery to repair his torn meniscus.
Blackwater head coach Nash Racela and team executive Patrick Aquino confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.
“Yup, he is not going,” said Racela.
“He is still recuperating from his injury,” added Aquino.
Cruz arrived at the Dioceldo Sy-owned franchise back in October of last year after being traded by Alaska in exchange for Abu Tratter.
He has since been a key part of the team’s rotation, averaging 6.27 points and 2.82 rebounds in 11 games played during the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Cruz’s presence will surely be missed by the Bossing in their campaign in the bubble.
Without the former Gilas standout, Blackwater will rely on Mac Belo, rookie Maurice Shaw, and Marion Magat up front.