CHRIS Banchero will miss the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals indefinitely as he attends to a family emergency.
Alaska coach Alex Compton said the team will be allowing Banchero to take some time off to attend to the family emergency. Compton didn’t go into detail on the family emergency but said Alaska will try to win the series against San Miguel without Banchero.
“No idea,” said Compton when asked when Banchero will return.
“Alaska is family first. This is not a question. Fred (Uytengsu) sent him a message. Dickie (Bachmann) and I were talking about it. It’s just hard. This is our jobs but life is really bigger than basketball. We play and we go on,” said Compton.
Banchero is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.1 steals for the Aces before he missed Game One won by San Miguel, 92-79.
Compton said Banchero immediately left practice on Friday when he learned about the emergency.
“It really is a significant, that’s all I can say, family emergency. We are trying to respect his privacy and space. But we got the news right at the end of practice yesterday. Chris leads us in minutes. He is one of our pressure guys. Just our thoughts, love, and support to him.
“It’s a family matter and we are going to leave it at that. I hope none of us go through it,” said Compton.
Alaska is already missing Calvin Abueva in the series, but Compton said the Aces will continue to find ways to win the series against the formidable Beermen.
“Like I said, I’m still a believer. We will see. It ain’t easy,” said Compton.
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