AS Nico Elorde returned to active duty after a hamstring injury on Wednesday, guess who called the NorthPort guard to ask about his condition?
Good friend Stanley Pringle.
When told Elorde will be suiting up against Columbian Dyip in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game, Pringle urged his former teammate to be patient saying it will take time before he can get his timing back.
“Sabi ko lalaro na ako at kailangan yung timing na lang. Sabi niya (Pringle) yung timing darating yan, just be aggressive,” said Elorde of his conversation with the newly acquired Barangay Ginebra guard.
The 27-year-old guard waxed hot from the outside late to help the Batang Pier eke out a 110-108 win over the Dyip that solidified their bid for a top-two finish.
Elorde finished with 14 points – all in the second half – including nine in the fourth quarter in a stretch that saw him sink three straight baskets from three-point range.
The first of those treys gave NorthPort back the lead, 102-100, while the last one gave the team a 108-103 lead going into the final two minutes. Elorde went 4-of-7 from three-point range overall.
“First half hindi gaano maka-shoot, pero nung second half, ayun nahulog din,” said the grandson of Filipino boxing great Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde, who also had seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals despite coming off a three-week layoff.
Elorde said it was good the NorthPort medical staff was able to take care of his injury and pave the way for his early return.
“May slight tear pero at least naasikaso naman kaya nakabalik din agad ako,” said the playmaker out of Ateneo.