Jared Dillinger is most likely out for Barangay Ginebra in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup as he’s set to undergo surgery to repair his torn patellar tendon.
Head coach Tim Cone bared as much Sunday night, moments after the Gin KIngs’ 80-77 come-from-behind win over Alaska to open their title defense.
“JD, most likely, will go under surgery and he may be out for the conference — we’re thinking he’s out for the conference,” he said.
The 37-year-old guard, according to Cone, got hurt during team practice just mere days ago, landing badly following a dunk attempt.
“Happened just a few days ago, he was trying to dunk the ball and he landed badly, and… Tore his patellar tendon. So it looks like he might have to go under surgery. We’re counting on him being out,” said the champion mentor.
Dillinger, though, was with Ginebra for Sunday’s match. He was in street clothes, together with fellow veterans Joe Devance and Mark Caguioa.
Cone said that Devance, who’s turning 40 in February, is still recovering from the knee surgery he underwent several weeks ago.
“Joe is still recovering from his surgery and we hope that he’ll be back. He still looks long ways away,” he said.
Caguioa, on the other hand, strained his calf during practice as well, although the team expects him to be back this week.
“He strained his calf in practice a few days ago so he hasn’t been able to practice the last four, five days,” said Cone.
“We expect Mark back, for sure, this week. We’re hoping he’ll get back this week as long as there are no setbacks.”
While it’s tough to lose those three veterans, the two-time Grand Slam winner lauded them for being of great help despite not playing.
“I was joking that I’ve got a Hall of Fame bench with JD, Joe, and Mark sitting on the end of the bench. They’re all tough to lose. But they’re all great leaders. They help even though they’re not playing because they’re all great leaders.”
As the team waits for the trio, Cone gladly shared that the Gin Kings may welcome back versatile forward Aljon Mariano sooner.
“The guy we may get back soonest is maybe Aljon. Aljon just got checked up a couple of days ago from the doctor and he may be able to start doing some drills with the team.”
