RAYMOND Almazan started the PBA 44th season on the wrong foot.
Literally.
The lanky big man failed to suit up in Rain or Shine's Philippine Cup debut Friday against NLEX after suffering a sprained ankle.
"Natapilok ako (last Monday) sa practice. Gustung-gusto ko pa namang maglaro na," said Almazan as he watches his teammates warm up at the hallway of the Astrodome before the Elasto Painters' match against the Road Warriors.
"Natapakan ko si Norbert (Torres)," he added.
Almazan also doubts if he'll be able to practice with Team Pilipinas when it holds its first training on Monday for the final window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
"Tingin ko baka hindi pa (ako makapag-practice," said the former NCAA MVP, who was included by national coach Yeng Guiao as part of his 14-man training pool.
The former Letran standout said the ankle is not swollen, but feels a stinging pain inside.
"Masakit siya sa loob kaya hindi ko mailaro," he added.
Almazan actually had high hopes he'll finally be able to return and play once again after missing out most of Rain or Shine's campaign in the last Governors Cup when he was suspended by the team for missing games and practices.
Now he'll have to wait a bit further before making his comeback.
"Na-double black eye nga ako," he said.
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