WHILE Barangay Ginebra acquired a younger big man in Kemark Carino following a trade with Terrafirma, coach Tim Cone acknowledged that the former All-Defensive Team member remains a work in progress.
The Ginebra mentor said the Kings can’t actually utilize the 6-foot-8 lanky center out of San Beda just yet as he’s still recovering from an ACL injury he suffered as a sophomore.
READ: PBA approves Kemark Carino-Ben Adamos trade without changes
Carino won’t be eligible to return to court at least until April.
“We need to get him healthy,” admitted Cone of Carino, who was acquired last week from the Dyip in a one-on-one trade involving another big man in Ben Adamos.
With Gilas Pilipinas physical therapist Arcee Cua also at the helm of Ginebra’s medical staff, Cone doesn’t see any concern as far as Carino’s recovery is concerned.
“We feel we have one of the best rehab crews in the PBA, so he’s in good hands,” he said.
But Cone sees a great upside on a healthy Carino as what he’s proven during his rookie season with Terrafirma, where he both made the Defensive and All-Rookie Teams.
“We like his potential as a big wing in the PBA,” noted the champion coach.
Still having Carino healthy isn’t the answer right away.
The 28-year-old big man has yet to join the Kings in contact practice and isn't well acquainted yet with Cone’s system.
Of course, Cone's triangle is one of the most complicated set pieces in the league - a system that will have new players take time to get used to.
“He's still a number of weeks away from participating just in practice, much less games,” stressed Cone.
“We see him as a player who still needs a lot of development, so he's a ways away from becoming the player we envision.”
Barangay Ginebra won’t play its first game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup until March 20 against guest team Macau Black Bears at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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