BARANGAY Ginebra and its legion of fans are on cloud nine after the cardiac win over Meralco on Sunday night, but here's a piece of news that could dampen their joy.
Veteran center and designated import stopper Billy Mamaril feared he has fractured the fourth metacarpal (ring finger) on his right hand - his shooting hand - during the 91-90 win over the Bolts on Sunday night.
Though he was still at the Cardinal Santos hospital awaiting a more thorough examination when Spin.ph caught up with him, Mamaril is already sure the finger is broken and that he will be out for at least four weeks.
“It’s fractured. Broken. I know it, kasi may nadinig akong nag snap right when I hurt it eh,” said Mamaril.
The news could be a big blow for red-hot Ginebra, whose frontline is not among the deepest in the league especially now that both Kerby Raymundo and Rico Maiefhofer are coming off health issues.
Mamaril said he injured the hand with a minute left in the game while trying to chase down a loose ball against Meralco import Eric Dawson.
“I had my hand on the ball and that made it worse, all the weight fell on my hand,” he explained.
A source from Ginebra informed Spin.ph that Mamaril’s right hand immediately got swollen.
“Nilagyan ng support staff ng yelo, pero namaga talaga agad. Kaya pinatakbo namin agad sa ospital after the game, kasi pag namaga may problema yun,” said a team insider.
Mamaril is set to meet with famed hand surgeon Ida Tacata for a thorough check-up.
Team officials are hoping Mamaril’s injury, at worst, would be a stress fracture, which will only require casting and a rest of four weeks. A complete fracture will require surgery and atleast three months of recovery.
Mamaril said the injury comes at a bad time for both him and the team.
“Of course, I’m frustrated. My job is very crucial sa team, as far as defending the import. It’s hard kasi playoffs na,” he said while shaking his head.
“OK lang sana kung regular season, it won’t hurt as much (for me), pero now, crunchtime na di ba? All the days you worked for are for the next coming weeks.
“I am working for the playoffs, tapos ganito nangyari,” added the son of former Ginebra center Billy Mamaril.
Mamaril, however, believes that Ginebra’s vaunted ‘never say die’ spirit will once again come to the fore.
“I believe in my teammates. I know we can find a way,” added 32-year-old Bocaue, Bulacan native.
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