Torn tendon forces J-Wash out of season

MANILA, Philippines - Petron Blaze main man Jay Washington, a candidate for the season’s MVP award, is out for the rest of the season due to torn tendon suffered in their first game in the PBA Governors Cup.

The Boosters will thus play without the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am when they battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for solo third place at resumption of the season-ending tournament at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Meralco goes for the solo lead, seeking a third straight win against Barangay Ginebra in the main game at 7:15 p.m.

Washington’s MRI test result showed he severed a tendon connecting a muscle to a bone in his left foot. He has yet to undertake medical treatment as they await opinion of doctors at the Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, California.

“The initial reading here is that J-Wash is out for only six weeks if no surgery is needed. If surgery is necessary, he’ll be out for six months,” said Charlie Dy, the player’s agent.

But whichever is the case, Washington -- the Philippine Cup Best Player -- has virtually kissed his MVP bid goodbye with his injury.

Incidentally, Talk n Text’s Jimmy Alapag, the other MVP race top contender, is set to return to action as the Tropang Texters play back-to-back games versus the B-Meg Llamados and the Ginebra Kings in Dubai on June 30 and July 1.

Minus Washington, the Boosters are hoping Danny Ildefonso and Nonoy Baclao would return from injury soon.

Petron Blaze won its last two games against Air21 and Ginebra largely behind the exploits of import Jeremy Wise.

“Petron made a good move in bringing in Jeremy Wise. He’s the right fit for the team,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“The injuries to their team only emphasized their depth because Lordy Tugade, Mick Pennisi and the others are given the chance to contribute. The key for us to beat them is to contain Alex Cabagnot who’s the anchor of their offense,” Guiao said.

Guiao and his troops are raring to come back after being stopped by Talk n Text, 108-120, last Sunday.

Meralco is a team eager to come out to gain solo league leadership.

“The last two games have been very encouraging for us. Even with an incomplete arsenal, we were able to compete and win through our courage,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“We are not relying on one man alone. In fact, we built a team that is founded on teamwork and selfless attitude and it is showing in our early success,” Gregorio said.