IS Cameron Clark poised for a comeback with Eastern in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup?
The 33-year-old Clark suiting up anew for the Hong Kong-based squad became a possibility on Friday as big man Chris McLaughlin suffered an ankle injury in Eastern’s 134-110 win over Terrafirma at the Philsports Arena.
The 6-foot-10 McLaughlin only suited up for five minutes in the first quarter against the Dyip and never returned after hurting his ankle early on. He finished with only two points, a rebound, and an assist.
READ Eastern boosts bid for Top Two spot, keeps Terrafirma winless
Coach Mensur Bajramovic later admitted the injury to their big import is a concern for the team.
“His injury makes some problem for us,” said the Bosnian coach.
McLaughlin came in and replaced the injured Clark after four games and a 3-1 record.
With the Canadian import at the helm, the foreign guest team registered a 4-2 slate for a 7-3 overall - good for a share of second place with Northport and Converge.
Clark has since been given the go-signal to play and led Eastern with 25 points and eight rebounds in Eastern’s 84-74 win over San Miguel in the East Asia Super League (EASL) last Wednesday.
As the original import of Eastern, Clark is eligible for one more comeback with the team should McLaughlin’s injury worsens. But once replaced, McLaughlin can no longer be fielded back by the Hong Kong-based guest team.
So for coach Bajramovic, it’s all about playing his cards right on who between McLaughlin and Clark will stay especially with Eastern having already clinched a berth to the quarterfinals.
“We’ll see his ankle injury. He landed on the leg of an opposing player when he went for a dunk,” said the Bosnian coach of McLaughlin.
“We’ll see tonight how it is or maybe tomorrow to make an MRI to check on his real condition,” added Bajramovic. “And then we’ll make a decision about his future.”
Eastern won’t have its next game – at least in the PBA – until Jan. 26 when it faces Magnolia Hotshots.
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