PBA: TNT coach Chot Reyes gives update on injured stars Jayson Castro, Poy Erram

There is a big chance that Jayson Castro is sitting out the entire PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes bared this to reporters during Media Day Thursday, Sept. 25.

Castro is still recovering from the patellar tendon tear he suffered in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine.

“Jayson is still not going to be able to play the first conference,” said Reyes.

Meanwhile, Poy Erram, recovering from a torn ACL, is expected to return sooner rather than later.

[RELATED STORY: TNT's Poy Erram diagnosed with torn ACL after PBA Finals: 'It’s painful, it’s frustrating']

According to Reyes, the Tropang 5G big man could return after a month and a half just in time for the latter part of the All-Filipino Cup.

“Jayson is still not going to be able to play the first conference. But Poy, I think, will join us after a month and a half or so,” Reyes said.

While the two key players are still shelved, TNT also acquired key additions in Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill.  On top of that, Rey Nambatac, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading seemed to be at full strength.

That’s why Reyes is beaming with optimism as the Tropang 5G look to bounce back after ceding the Philippine Cup to San Miguel last season.

“We’re going to have Rey Nambatac back, and then Roger Pogoy and Calvin Oftana are going to be a hundred percent. We’re looking forward to a hundred percent healthy Jordan Heading,” Reyes said.

“They were really hobbled especially in the ending phase of the last conference… If we have everyone healthy, hopefully, we could become a better team.”

—

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.