AS if its dilemma with rookie Dave Ildefonso isn't enough, NorthPort has found itself in yet another major quandary.
The Batang Pier lost three of their backcourt players to injuries, namely Paul Zamar, Fran Yu, and new acquisition Jio Jalalon.
Team governor Eric Arejola said Jalalon and Co. won’t be able to suit up in the PBA Season 49-opening Governors’ Cup that kicks off on August 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Zamar went down with an ACL injury and will be out for the entire season, while Jalalon and Yu are dealing with knee and hand injuries, respectively.
“The season hasn’t started, pero we have three players already who got injured in practice games, Si Zamar na-ACL, Fran Yun also got hurt, and si Jio,” said Arejola during the PBA Season 49 press conference Wednesday at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
Jalalon won’t be available for the first two weeks, at the very least, of the conference. That means that as of right now, NorthPort only has John Amores, Paolo Taha, and second-rounder Evan Nelle active in its backcourt.
Ildefonso a possible solution
The injuries to three players further added to the predicament of the franchise, which has yet to sign up the 6-foot Ildefonso, picked No. 5 overall in the last draft.
READ: NorthPort, Dave Ildefonso contract talks finally underway
But Arejola disclosed the camp of Ildefonso, son of two-time PBA MVP Danny, has already reached out to management, which could be a positive sign now that negotiations can begin between the two parties.
The Batang Pier initially offered the former Ateneo stalwart a two-year max contract.
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