February 11, 2016
The PBA Commissioner’s Cup fired off last night with defending champion Tropang TNT defeating Blackwater 108-102 in spite of the absences of Ivan Johnson (one-game suspension) and Troy Rosario (right shoulder).
Meralco then edged Star in the second game, 90-86 to book its first win in the conference.
Here are updates around the association:
Alex Nuyles trying to find rhythm with new team
Alex Nuyles started for Tropang TNT in his first game with a new team, although he went scoreless and was a minus-7 in over 11 minutes of play.
Nuyles detailed how he ended up wearing a blue and yellow uniform this time, saying it was his manager who did the paper work.
“Winork out lang ng manager ko na maka-alis ako and noong narelease na ako, doon na siya nagtrabaho para malipat ako sa isang team,” Nuyles, who was last lined up under Mahindra, shared.
Nuyles has been training with the Tropa for a month now, and admitted he missed playing in the league.
“Keep fighting lang and keep the faith. Kung kaya pa, work hard pa. Wala kasi talaga akong balak tumigil pero iba pa rin kapag hindi ka naglalaro sa PBA. Nakakapanibago.”
Troy Rosario set for return
TNT rookie Troy Rosario is set to return to action soon, according to head coach Jong Uichico. Rosario injured his right shoulder back in the Philippine Cup quarter-finals against Rain or Shine.
Uichico said Rosario already got clearance to play soon and added the rookie is already back in practices.
JP Erram rushed to hospital after bad fall
Photo from PBA’s Facebook page
Blackwater big man JP Erram was rushed to the hospital after a bad fall in the first quarter of the Elite’s game against the Tropa.
Erram was able to swat Ranidel de Ocampo’s lay-up attempt but got entangled with import MJ Rhett on his way down as he hit the floor head first.
Erram took a while before getting up and was badly shaken up, as per Sports5’s Mara Aquino.
JP Erram is still experiencing dizziness, konting galaw hilong hilo. He doesn't look well; matamblay. He will be rushed to the hospital
— Mara Aquino (@missMaraAquino) February 10, 2016
Ranidel de Ocampo says Gilas stint up to coaches
Ranidel de Ocampo played his first game back after suffering a herniated disc in the Philippine Cup where he was able to play only one match.
De Ocampo scored 20 points in TNT’s win over Blackwater, showing great signs that he’s back to playing at a high level.
As for his Gilas return, De Ocampo says it will depend on his health, performance, and the coaching staff as there are other good players in his position.
“Di ko pa iniisip yun, kasi depende din sa katawan ko saka depende din sa ilalaro ko, tapos depende din sa coach,” De Ocampo said.
