RAYMUND Almazan, Maurice Shaw, JC Intal, and Jorey Napoles won’t be able to join their respective teams in practices just yet despite finally checking in at the PBA bubble by Sunday noon.
The quartet will still undergo a two-day quarantine after doing swab testing procedure upon their arrival at Quest Hotel.
“Mag-quarantine pa muna 'yung mga dumating,” said Blackwater coach Nash Racela. “But the good thing for us, andito na siya (Shaw).”
Meralco also welcomed Almazan’s arrival, a big boost to a team that has not consistently contended well in the all-Filipino conference in the absence of a solid big man in the middle.
The 6-foot-8 Almazan had to come in late as he completed his rehab session on Friday after undergoing off-season surgery for the lateral meniscus tear in his left knee which the former Letran standout suffered in Game 3 of the last Governors Cup finals against Barangay Ginebra.
Shaw, the 6-foot-9 second overall pick in last year’s draft, arrived last week from the U.S. and had to observe a seven-day quarantine before being allowed to proceed to the Clark bubble.
Intal and Napoles also had to get clearances after recuperating from their respective injuries as they arrived along with Phoenix assistant coaches Willie Wilson and Kris Reyes.
“They are quarantined now pending the results,” said Fuel Masters team manager Paolo Bugia.
Blackwater team governor Siliman Sy sent off Shaw, 35, on his way to the bubble, hoping the rookie big man will help the Elite make it to the playoffs of the season’s lone conference.
“Hope he can help,” said Siliman’s brother and Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy. “I think teams that stayed solid together will win.”
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