MARCIO Lassiter is hopeful he can get back to game shape soon after returning to action for San Miguel on Friday in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Lassiter on Friday played for the first time since going down with an MCL sprain in his left knee in July. Lassiter played for only seven minutes and scored two points and added three rebounds in their 90-89 win at the Mall of Asia Arena.
He is determined to get back in top shape soon and make up for missing the Beermen's playoff run in the Commissioner’s Cup, as well as in the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
“Definitely not a hundred percent,” Lassiter said. “I’m probably 70 percent. Hopefully, I can keep getting higher and higher as a few games go by.”
Lassiter admitted having first-game jitters after nearly three months out.
“Felt a little jittery. I was on the warm up lines, don’t know what to expect. At the same time, I wanted to let the game come to me and play a team game, and do what I can to help the team,” said Lassiter.
He rejoined practice only on Tuesday and is happy with the progress.
“It’s more of game-ready and just the feel. This is probably my only game I can actually play in. I didn’t have any tune-up game or anything like that. I just tested it out. Just have to continue working on the things I need to work on,” said Lassiter.
“It was really a good feeling to be back with my teammates. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to play. I put a lot of hardwork just to come back, grinding it out. Just really fortunate to be healthy right now. Thank God I was able to play out there.”