No “minor injury” can bring him down.
Venky Jois, it turns out, is not at full strength.
And yet Jois carried the NorthPort Batang Pier on his broad shoulders in their 111-95 win over Converge FiberXers in the PBA Commisioner’s Cup on Wednesday.
Jois did almost everything, scoring 39 points and collaring 21 rebounds while dishing out six assists and adding one steal and four blocks. He also played a little over 42 minutes of play—not bad for someone hurting.
The hardworking import is nursing a hamstring injury, but it didn’t dampen his spirit one bit, not with NorthPort on the crest of playing some of its best basketball.
“I’m not worried about it. It’s minor,” he said after the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
While his injury did not bother him one bit on Wednesday, it has nonetheless been tough for Jois, whose team improved to a 4-2 win-loss record.
“From a preparation standpoint it’s been very difficult to practice and perform,” he said.
Unfortunately for Jois, rest won’t come until after a four-day stretch that will see NorthPort go up against the San Miguel Beermen (December 8) and Meralco Bolts (December 10).
After that, the Batang Pier will take a 10-day break before taking on the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Hurt and all, expect Jois to come out with every ounce of his energy as the Batang Pier continue to climb up the leaderboard.
(MDB)