ART dela Cruz’s first ever stint with Gilas 5.0 proved to be an ill-fated one.
The sophomore forward suffered a raptured Achilles tendon on the first of a three-day training camp by the national team in Tagaytay that needed immediate surgery at the Makati Medical Center on Tuesday.
Team insiders confirmed to SPIN.ph the development that could mean Dela Cruz missing the entire PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
[See Allein Maliksi gets Gilas call-up as Paul Lee out, for now, withknee injury]
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will shoulder the cost of the surgery since the mishap happened during the training of the national team.
Dela Cruz's injury comes as a big blow to Blackwater, which is already bound to lose Mac Belo once Gilas competes in the Seaba championship from May 12-18.
Team officials, however, said owner Dioceldo Sy is ready to face the consequences.
"For the country kasi," said one of the team insider. "Yan parati ang gusto ni Boss Dio na pag-support sa national team."
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