IF Simon Enciso would have his way, he’d be suiting up for TNT against San Miguel as the PBA Philippine Cup Finals comes down to its final stretch.
Too bad, the right eye orbital fracture he suffered midway through the best-of-seven title series is getting in the way, although he’s not counting himself totally out especially if the Tropang 5G manage to force a do-or-die Game 7.
“It’s kind of a tough one. Obviously, I wanted to play, I want to be out there and help the team, but kind of step aside from my pride coz it’s my eyesight. It’s hard to do with the eyes, it doesn’t just heal up after a day,” said Enciso prior to Game 6 at the Philsports Arena on Friday.
The 33-year-old Fil-Am suffered the eye injury after finding himself at the wrong end of an inadvertent elbow from former teammate Marcio Lassiter in Game 3.
He has been out of action for the last three games including Game 6 of the series.
The eye orbital fracture is the same injury inflicted by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao on Antonio Margarito (2010) and Nonito Donaire to Naoya Inoue (2019).
Boxing injury
“The guys were telling me to switch careers,” said Enciso with a laugh about the ribbing he’s getting from his TNT teammates.
The bruise just below his right eye is still visible, although he has set aside wearing shades the last time he was at the TNT bench Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when the Tropang 5G extended the series with an 86-78 win.
He continues to take medication and remains under observation.
“I’m doing anything I can. I’m getting more rest, icing, taking inflammatory pills. I do diligence on trying to get back on the floor as soon as possible, but as I said, it’s just a bit tricky with the eyes,” said Enciso.
“I told the guys if this is just a black eye or a fracture, I could play. But when it’s messing with my vision and I’m out there seeing two rims, it’s kind of hard to be out there,” he added. “I want to help the team, I don’t want to be a liability.”
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