BLACKWATER is not about to judge import Marqus Blakely by a single game in the PBA Governors Cup.
Coach Aris Dimaunahan said there’s no word yet from top management on the fate of the former Best Import following a measly four-point production in a 135-107 loss to TnT Katropa on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I haven’t talked anything about that (to management),” said Dimaunahan following the 28-point blowout.
Blakely shot only 1-of-4 field goals, had four rebounds, five assists, and five turnovers. His output was a PBA career-low (93 games in eight conferences) and at the same time, the lowest by an import this season.
His listless performance and the continued presence of injured Aaron Fuller sparked speculations it could be a short stint for Blakely with the Elite.
Blakely was a last-minute replacement for Fuller, who sprained his ankle two weeks ago.
A team insider said Blakely’s deal with the Elite is just for a two-game contract, and depends on how Fuller will recover from his injury.
Dimaunahan said Fuller's injury is now undergoing rehabilitation.
“He’s religiously doing his thing sa rehab niya. Hopefully maging ok na siya,” said the Blackwater coach.
Dimaunahan came to Blakely’s defense, saying he should do a better job handling the import the next game against NLEX.
“It’s my responsibility for him not getting those touches. Hopefully, he could get better touches the next time,” he said.
“But he was there doing his best, but he only had four or five attempts. But I don’t care about him scoring that much. Hes’ doing his best defensively trying to help out guys, trying to defend the TnT import.”
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