Jeron Teng will likely miss some time for Converge due to a bruised hip.
FiberXers head coach Jeff Cariaso said as much after their main man was not able to play in their PBA Philippine Cup meeting with Terrafirma, Wednesday.
“JT is the one that might take a couple more weeks. He has severe soreness in his hip,” he said shortly after their 97-84 victory that ended a two-game skid.
Cariaso disclosed that Teng suffered the injury against Magnolia last June 10, and only managed to play through it against TNT and Meralco.
Coincidentally, Converge dropped both of their meetings against the MVP Group teams with the 28-year-old forward in pain. The loss against the Bolts just last week was their worst one of the season yet, 74-90.
There, Teng only played for a total of 19 minutes and 16 seconds. He finished with eight points on eight shots and two rebounds.
“It happened during Magnolia, believe it or not. So, it was hurting him a little bit [in] that game. He found a way with help of medication against TNT. He tried to fight through it against Meralco, pero hindi na nakayanan,” Cariaso said.
So, the team deemed it best to sit Teng out against the Dyip, and they were able to buck his absence by leaving the MOA Arena with a 13-point win.
“We really needed to rest him,” said Cariaso. “It was the advice of the docs to rest him. We’re gonna be smart ’cause we need JT, but we want him healthy.
“We’re hoping to get it checked soon and have him back on the court, ’cause he’s one of those guys that we rely on,” the seasoned mentor added.
Aside from Teng, Converge also missed Kevin Racal due to a sprained ankle he sustained in practice. But he is expected to return on Sunday against San Miguel Beer at the Ynares Center, according to Cariaso.
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