Raymond Almazan’s ankle sprain only minor, says coach

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas suffered a minor problem in its preparation for the FIBA World Cup qualifier as Raymond Almazan suffered a minor ankle sprain in practice in Doha Sunday.

The sight in practice Monday as can be seen in the SBP Facebook page was Andray Blatche in his element, knocking in successive three-pointers while Almazan was on the sideline with the injury.

Gilas assistant coach Ryan Gregorio stressed, though, that it is a minor sprain.

“It’s an old injury that slowed him down a few weeks ago. He re-injured it on his own,” Gregorio told The STAR. 

Will the Rain or Shine frontcourt player still be able to play? “We’re assessing his situation. We’re observing,” said Gregorio.

The Nationals play the Qataris at 7 p.m. tomorrow in Doha (12 midnight in Manila) then tangle with the Kazakhs Sunday in Astana.

Gilas needs to sweep their last two games in the FIBAWC eliminator to make the World Cup proper late this year in China.

Magnolia teammates Paul Lee and Mark Barroca had health woes but both are back in top shape, and they’re to share playmaking chores with TNT KaTropa’s Jayson Castro.

If Almazan doesn’t recover quickly, coach Yeng Guiao would lose one player in his frontline rotation. However, Team Phl would still have a complete 12-man roster.

Gilas brought to Qatar 14 players in Blatche, Almazan, Lee, Barroca, Castro, RR Pogoy, Gabe Norwood, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Marcio Lassiter, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Poy Erram and Thirdy Ravena.

Pogoy, however, will still be serving one game suspension. He’s already free to join the Nationals in their game against the Kazakhs. 

The Nationals and the Qataris square off at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in the Qatari capital.