Chris Newsome has yet to fully recover from the MCL sprain he suffered in Game 3 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
Call Chris Newsome a superhuman.
That’s how Meralco coach Luigi Trillo described his ward after their 79-88 loss to Ryukyu Golden Kings in the East Asia Super League Wednesday, Feb. 11.
“He gave it his all. We're very, very proud of him,” said Trillo.
“He came in there, and I thought he did exceptional. He’s superhuman with what he did."
Newsome played for more than nineteen minutes for the Bolts despite being far from 100 percent. He suffered an MCL sprain in Game 3 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
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Trillo said the Fil-American guard only joined the 5-on-5 practice two days earlier and sat out the one on the eve of the match, where a postseason berth was on the line.
Against the Japan B.LEAGUE powerhouse, Newsome's minutes were managed until the fourth period, where he helped steady the ship and trim a 20-point gap to five.
Newsome finished with three points, four rebounds, an assist and three steals.
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Meralco was still sent packing, however.
But that will not diminish Trillo's amazement at his prized cog’s resolve.
“Nakakataba ng puso na he wanted to do well for the crowd and everything (kahit) timing is a little bit off (and) he hasn’t had any rhythm," said Trillo.
(With reports from Aivan Episcope/One Sports Digital)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.