ALLEIN Maliksi lamented not being around for Meralco as it tries to defend its PBA Philippine Cup championship.
The veteran gunner is nursing a back injury and will be out for the entire conference.
Maliksi can't say for sure what the timeline is for his return to active duty. What is certain is he's out for the remainder of the season.
"It will take time pa to heal para mawala yung pain. Ayaw ko rin muna magsabi ng timeline. Basta sabi lang take your time, huwag madaliin. Ako naman naghihintay lang day by day," said the Meralco player on the sidelines of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday.
Maliksi's current health condition came shortly after he underwent surgery to remove bone spurs on his knee.
Sponsored content:
He made a brief comeback on Christmas Day during the Commissioner's Cup, but was relegated to the injury/reserved list again as his back began to act up.
"Yun ang nakaka-frustrate, kasi ok na sana, tuluy-tuloy na sana," said the former University of Santo Tomas stalwart. "Nagkaroon ako ng injury sa tuhod, tapos nung ok na, nagkaroon naman ako ng another setback sa back naman."
His situation lost whatever momentum he gained after helping the Bolts win their first ever PBA championship last season with a six-game upset of the San Miguel Beermen in the finals.
"Medyo sayang kasi ang ganda na ng momentum namin. Nung una champion, tapos nung kay Allen Durham (Governors' Cup), and then the next conference (Commissioner's Cup). Ang laking part na sana, laking momentum sa team na parang makakaabot din kami (ulit) sa finals," stressed Maliksi.
But right now, he said the emphasis is on getting healthy again for Meralco's campaign in Season 50.
Sponsored content:
"Ang focus ko na lang makapag-pagaling hanggang sa makabalik ulit," said Maliksi.
Currently, the Bolts are off to a blazing start in their title defense as they won a second straight game Sunday night against Terrafirma, 118-80, to take the early solo lead.(RG)
