Ginebra now hopes for the best as Stanley Pringle is feared to have suffered a major knee injury, indeed a big blow for a team that’s already wounded.
The 34-year-old was out of the Gin Kings’ 108-82 beatdown of NorthPort Friday evening for their second win in the PBA Governors’ Cup. He underwent an MRI scan in St. Luke’s Medical Center, according to head coach Tim Cone.
An initial diagnosis said that the former BPC sustained an ACL injury, although it may not be the case, said the mentor. And they really hope so.
“He has a knee issue at the moment, and we’re trying to figure out exactly what it is. We’re hoping it’s not too serious, but he had to sit out tonight,” said Cone in the postgame presser at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“But, there’s a chance it could be serious. So we’re trying to find out more information about it,” he furthered.
The injury means that he’ll add to Ginebra’s already long injured/reserve list. Joe Devance is still recovering from the knee surgery he underwent in the midseason break; meanwhile, Jared Dillinger is likely out of the tilt due to a torn patellar tendon.
Mark Caguioa has yet to return after straining his calf in practice. Ditto with Aljon Mariano, although Cone had previously said he could return soon.
Pringle has only played one game this conference, which was their debut against Alaska last Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
He actually starred in the endgame to help the Barangay come back and leave with the 80-77 win. The Fil-American star finished with seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and a block in over 35 minutes of play.
