Venky Jois assured NorthPort he’d play on Sunday as they take on Meralco in a bid to sustain their streak in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.
Head coach Bonnie Tan said that the Australian import vowed as much after sitting out Friday’s big win versus San Miguel due to a hamstring injury.
“Based on our last conversation this afternoon, if he rested tonight’s game, he’ll be a hundred percent daw for Sunday’s game,” the veteran mentor said during the postgame presser of their 115-101 stunner at the Philsports Arena.
“Nag-promise naman sa akin,” added Tan.
“May tightness lang sa left hamstring niya but he said he’ll be OK, he knows his body raw very well.”
Vois was coming off a strong outing in their 111-95 victory over Converge last December 6, tallying 39 points and 21 rebounds with six assists.
The 30-year-old forward finished that game wearing mismatching Nikes after the left pair of his go-to sneakers LeBron 20 NXXT Gen ‘Faze Clan’ burst open. He saw out the game wearing the Ja 1 ‘Hunger’ on his left foot.
(C) PBA Images
NorthPort appeared to be at a disadvantage playing with an all-Filipino crew, but it proved otherwise behind a balanced attack, headed by Arvin Tolentino.
The versatile winger led the way with 28 points and five rebounds as they blew out a Beermen side that’s now missing seven players due to injuries. June Mar Fajardo is the latest on the I/R list due to a fractured left hand.
“I told the guys lang na dahil wala si Venky, our import, the best player sa team namin, everybody has to step up,” said Tolentino as a total of six players finished in double figures in the victory that hiked their card to 5-2.
“And, just play our game lang. Wala masyado iisipin, gawin lang ‘yung game plan. sundin ang coaches, and be confident out there,” he added.
NorthPort, with Jois in tow, will be taking on Meralco (4-1) at 3:00 PM, still at the Philsports Arena, looking to stretch its winning streak to four.
It should be another test for them as they’re set to face a Bolts side looking to continue their winning ways as well with EASL reinforcement Zach Lofton, whom they’re activating in lieu of the injured Suleiman Braimoh.
