Raymundo back for the Llamados before playoffs

Kerby Raymundo, B-MEG Derby Ace’s go-to-guy at the post, is now feeling good and ready to come back. This was disclosed by B-Meg Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio to GMANews.TV after the 6-foot-6, versatile forward underwent rehab in Hong Kong. “The doctor in Hong Kong diagnosed the real injury of Kerby and he found out that the injury is not coming from either his knee or his leg," said Gregorio in a telephone interview. “The injury comes from his pelvic area somewhere in his lower back which caused pain all the way down to his knee and his leg."

Gregorio, whose team is seeking a “modern-day grandslam" in the Philippine Basketball Association this season, said that Raymundo is feeling significant changes on his knee and his leg after undergoing rehab. “He’s feeling better now, but we’re not rushing him. He has yet to join the practice because he just arrived Sunday," said Gregorio, who asked his team captain to suit up and join the rest of the team on the bench during Sunday’s game against sister team San Miguel Beer. "Our plan is to have him joining us before the playoffs so he can get his rhythm back the moment we reach the tough grind," added the only coach who won two All-Filipino championships for the Purefoods franchise. Raymundo’s presence on the bench inspired the rest of the Llamados, who pulled off a gripping 83-82 squeaker of the Beermen courtesy of a game-winning jumper by James Yap. “He joined us on the bench so that he can get the feel of the game back on his system," said Gregorio. Raymundo’s return will certainly bolster the Llamados’ frontline. Is Raymundo’s comeback also means the squad will be out to look for a new import? Clif Brown, who replaced first choice Lorenzo Wade after Raymundo opted to rest his hurting leg, has been playing complimentary role for the locals. “He’s been clearing the boards for us and he’s been more of a weakside rebounder and scorer," said Gregorio. “But he only scored seven and 11 points the past few games, numbers which can be produced by a local player. I’ve been honest with Clif about it." Gregorio said he also informed his import that there are names as possible standby for security purposes. “There are names, but there wasn’t any transactions made at this time. We explained the situation to our import so as to push his game a notch higher more and also for security purposes," said Gregorio. “But right now, we’re sticking with him." - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV