Meralco coach Luigi Trillo is optimistic that Akil Mitchell, who suffered a broken nose earlier this month, will make his PBA comeback sooner than later.
It looks like Meralco is sticking with Akil Mitchell as import for the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
But the Bolts will have to wait until the 6-foot-9 reinforcement recovers from a broken nose he suffered early in the first period against Rain or Shine last December 1.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said Mitchell will undergo surgery on Monday, December 9.
“I guess it’s swollen. I know he’s supposed to get an operation on the 9th. And when the swelling subsides — he already has his mask fitted — he can play, right?” Trillo said after the Bolts zoomed to a 3-0 start in the mid-season joust.
In Mitchell's place, DJ Kennedy did a terrific job as stand in reinforcement in the 96-91 win over Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Though saddled by early foul trouble, Kennedy eventually found his rhythm and ended up with 32 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a steal for Meralco.
Aside from their Commissioner's Cup schedule, the Bolts will also play the KBL's Busan KCC Egis on Dec. 18 for the East Asia Super League. Asked if they are making an import switch in the international joust, Trillo answered in the negative.
“No. We believe in Akil,” he said of his prized import whom he once compared to former PBA Best Import Allen Durham.
“Yung taong yan kahit one leg, he’ll pay with one leg hurt. If he could play without a mask, he’ll play. I think he’s tough enough.”
Following surgery, Mitchell should be in line for a Meralco return in the PBA on Christmas Day when the Bolts take on Converge at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Magkikita uli tayo sa Christmas day. You’ll see Akil there probably on the 25th. But depends. Day-to-day (si Akil),” Trillo said.