Marcio Lassiter, who hurt his knee in the second quarter of San Miguel’s do-or-die quarterfinal clash against NorthPort on Wednesday may be out for six weeks, but Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao is not giving up on him.
The 6’2” Lassiter got hurt following knee-to-knee collision in midair with Garvo Lanete, and the injury he sustained could put him out of of Gilas’ campaign in the FIBA 2019 World Cup when it goes on from August 31 to September 15 in China.
“So, we’re hoping for a miracle for him to get back in 3 to 4 weeks, and for him to be with us,” said Guiao during the presentation of the golden trophy in FIBA Basketball World Cup Trophy Tour yesterday the Meralco head office in Ortigas.
The absence of Lassiter will have Guiao leaning on Roger Pogoy and Matthew Wright in the national squad’s roster for outside shooters.
Guiao said there are 19 players in the pool, and they have not decided to look for replacements for Lassiter.
“We still have not decided to add anybody. We still have not given up on Marcio,” stated Guiao.
Gilas is set to leave for Spain to join a pocket tournament in two weeks.
So far, FIBA is holding a tour, presented by Aeroflot, to brings the newly designed golden trophy to fans globally in 24 countries across five continents.
The Naismith Trophy Tour started in June and made its way to Europe, the US, and Asia.
The golden trophy, named after basketball inventor James Naismith, made it rounds last night to several television stations, and will be at the Gateway Mall in Cubao this Saturday, at the semifinals game between Talk N Text, and Ginebra this Sunday in the PBA Commissioners Cup semifinals.
“The Naismith trophy is making its way to 24 countries. It’s a privilege that the Philippines is one of the countries where the trophy will go through,” said Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.
