ANTIPOLO – It remains uncertain whether veteran Jason Perkins can be healthy in time to join Phoenix in time for the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Perkins has yet to fully recover from the foot injury that has kept him out of action for more than three weeks now.
Coach Charles Tiu said the 34-year-old forward is uncertain for the Fuel Masters in the best-of-five quarterfinals.
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“I don’t know yet if he can be back. There’s a chance he may be out of the quarters, and maybe pag sinuwerte kami, may chance na makabalik siya,” said Tiu after the Fuel Masters lost their final game of the eliminations Friday night, 133-103, against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center.
Perkins has missed out the last three games of Phoenix, although he’s been showing up in the games in street clothes.
He last suited up in a 115-101 loss to the Magnolia Hotshots on August 12, but by that time, he was already being bothered by his foot injury.
The De La Salle product averages 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
Tiu said Perkins has previously taken a PRP treatment for the injury, but apparently didn’t get the result he wanted.
“His recovery hasn’t been what is expected,” said the Phoenix mentor, adding Perkins has been joining the team in its regular practices, but has participated only in non-contact drills.
Tiu said the team won’t risk Perkins if he’s not fully recovered from the injury.
“We trust him, he knows his body best. And whenever he feels like he can go, whether he spends 15 minutes will be ok with us,” added Tiu.
Phoenix at one time led Group B with a 4-1 record, but lost four of its last five outings to settle for the No. 3 in its bracket and a possible quarterfinals pairing with either NLEX or San Miguel.
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