Disaster struck just when Keith Datu was starting to make a splash for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
When it rained, it certainly poured for Rain or Shine.
The Elasto Painters’ worst fear happened after big man Keith Datu is expected to be shelved for the rest of the PBA Season 50.
The team announced this development on Facebook Thursday, November 6.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Yeng Guiao left to scramble as Keith Datu goes down with apparent injury for ROS]
Datu suffered a right patellar tendon rupture after an akward slip on the drive with under eight minutes left in the third period of their eventual 91-80 win over Phoenix Wednesday, November 5.
To say that this was a huge blow to Rain or Shine’s campaign is understatement.
Before going down with the unfortunate injury, Datu was averaging 10 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in six games. His best game came in the 110-100 win over Blackwater where he dropped 20 points he spiked with eight rebounds and two swats.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Yeng Guiao glad Rain or Shine displays maturity vs Bossing]
Though currently atop the heap with a 5-1 win-loss record, Rain or Shine already has Caelan Tiongson and Stanley Pringle at sick bay.
Coach Yeng Guiao said the staff is doing everything to get Tiongson ready for their game this weekend, while they are not rushing Pringle’s return owing to a twinge in his knee.
Veteran Beau Belga, meanwhile, is gradually being eased into the thick of action after sitting out most of last conference because of vertigo.
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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.