PBA: Faundo wary of need to step up after Almazan injury

Meralco Bolts back-up big man Bryan Faundo is wary of the need to step up after main center Raymond Almazan went down with a left knee injury in Game 3 of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals last Sunday.

Almazan held on to his knee in the 1st half of an eventual 84-92 defeat to the GinKings, as he felt pain. He was rushed to the locker room and was initially diagnosed with a knee strain.

With his absence, Faundo was able to play heavy minutes, and he did contribute well with 10 points.

Bryan Faundo of the Meralco Bolts goes up for a shot against Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebera. (PBA Images)
Bryan Faundo of the Meralco Bolts goes up for a shot against Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebera. (PBA Images)

Per an online source, the veteran out of Letran realizes he need to do more to help the Bolts get back in the series.

“Kailangan ko talagang mag-step up, kahit sa anong paraan kumbaga, gagawin ko,” said Faundo. “Maliit na bagay man ‘yan or kahit ano, basta makatulong sa team at saka para kay Raymond din. ‘Yung sinimulan niya, dapat matumbasan ko rin kay Raymond.”

The GinKings took a 2-1 series following their Game 3 win, and the squad’s twin tower duo of Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter didn’t take long before making the most out of Almazan’s absence.

That is where guys like Faundo and even Cliff Hodge could make a difference, just trying to limit the production of the two giants.

“Kung ano lang ‘yung maibigay ko, maitulong ko sa team, ready lang talaga. Every time naman ready ako,” added Faundo.