Jared Dillinger finally made his much-awaited debut for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Friday evening.
The 6-foot-4 forward finally played as a Gin King after months on the sidelines due to a calf injury, as he saw action in their 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup clash versus the Columbian Dyip.
Dillinger was subbed in at the 5:08-mark of the payoff period when everything was all but settled. He then played for three minutes and 10 second,s and collected a couple of rebounds.
“Jared at the last minute, came up to me and said he might be able to play a few minutes,” said coach Tim Cone moments after the Barangay’s 113-90 victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Dillinger, of course, couldn’t hide his elation now that he has finally returned doing what he loves the most.
“I feel great getting out there, getting my feet wet. I’ve been working my butt off to get out there on the court again,” he expressed.
“I’m just kind of speechless right now. Just happy I can help the team somewhere.”
The 35-year-old — who signed with the Gin Kings last July — also expressed gratitude to Ginebra for their patience with him.
“Coach, management, they’ve been extremely patient with me. They know that I’ve been working my butt off trying to get back on the floor. And for that I couldn’t be more grateful,” said the five-time champion.
Ginebra has clinched the twice-to-beat edge for the quarterfinals following the win. With that, Dillinger looks to regain his rhythm for the playoffs, which will commence next week.
“I know it’s hard for everyone, lots of ups and downs, but I’m just happy again that I can start playing a little bit and try to get as much rhythm that I can before the playoffs.”
