No definite time table yet as Caguioa bids to return in time for playoffs

MARK Caguioa wants to return to action so much that he has even done some online shopping to fast-track his comeback.

Sidelined for four weeks now by a sprained MCL, the Barangay Ginebra superstar said he has purchased online a state-of-the-art knee brace that is popular among NBA players which he hopes to wear once he gets the clearance to play from doctors.

With the brace, the reigning PBA MVP said he finally hopes to join the Kings in drills and scrimmages on Wednesday as he bids to be healthy enough to return in time for the Commissioner's Cup playoffs.

“Naghanap ako ng magandang brace sa paa ko para mas ma-support yung knee ko,” said Caguioa. “Parating na yung order ko bukas, hopefully makaka-practice na ako sa Wednesday.”

Caguioa said the DonJoy brace is perfect for ACL and MCL injuries, and was most recently worn by the Philadelphia 76ers' Andrew Bynum.

“I think that’s one of the best braces for ACL and MCL," said the high-scoring guard. "Kinuha ko na yung pinakamagandang brace, para if I play, maganda yung support.”

The Ginebra star, though, declined to give a definite time table for his return, saying the injured knee has improved a lot but he still feels pain while doing certain movements.

He also needs to regain his conditioning after four weeks out of competition, Caguioa added.

“Four weeks din ako nawala, sino ba naman ang hindi bababa ang kundisyon,” said Caguioa, who has been limited to shooting practice during Ginebra training sessions.

Asked if he feels his team misses him considering that Ginebra is now on a two-game losing skid, the outspoken team leader answered: “Kung nami-miss nila ako, mas lalo ko silang nami-miss."

On Ginebra's precarious position ahead of the playoffs, he said: “Alam ko pwede rin kaming maging seventh (place) di ba? I think that’s the worst para sa amin, pero para sa akin, our team has the heart.

“After a slow start, who would have thought na mananalo kami ng six straight? Ngayon lumalaban pa kami. Para sa akin, kahit ano mangyari - kahit sino makalaban namin - we will fight.”

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source: spin.ph

tama ka idol ................ kahit sino makalaban nyo, ginebra never say die ..........

pero sana makalaro na sya, nakaka-attract kasi sya ng double team, tinataas nya nga lang yung kamay nya minsan lumalapit na yung depensa sa kanya lol mawawala yung pressure kay vmack pag nandyan sya, yun yung ginawa ng tnt kahit yung alaska nung final minutes, dineny na nila si macklin.. saka sana si mamaril makabalik, depensa ni billy maaasahan..

wow kapag nagamit na ni idol yun donjoy brace... i think makakapag laro sya, ayos to brace na to... the good thing naman kasi sa injury ni idol left knee yun na injured, hindi right knee, kasi di ba madalas right side of the body yun mas gamit ng isang tao unless kaliwete talaga yun tao, and knowing mark... im sure maglalaro sya sa playoffs... tutal matagal pa naman ang magiging bakasyon if hindi sila palarin makapaasok sa semis.. pero tingin ko talaga kahit hindi pa 100 percent si idol pipilitin nya maglaro sa quarterfinals... sabi nga ni idol ginamit ni andrew bynum ang ganito klaseng brace at nakapaglaro ng almost 1 season kahit may problema pa rin sa knee nya, at hindi ako naniniwala na binili lang ni idol to para sa future rehabilitation ng knee nya, im sure maglalaro to...

ok lang MC basta andun ang presence mo aok na ginebra, basta ingat ka pagnaglaro ka... God Bless Ginebra, and thank god and good decision sa management na di si mbenga ang kinuha nilang import kundi di tyo makakapag 6 game winning streak... wala pala wenta si mbenga... hehehe