Kabayan, apparently, has been having problems with his foot.
It is true that Justin Brownlee is still on the mend and not at 100% after undergoing what was described by Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Jong Uichico as an undisclosed operation.
It turns out, that operation was a procedure to remove bone spurs on Brownlee’s foot. Bone spurs are bony growths that generally form on one’s joints, causing pain and potentially damaging surrounding joints and muscles.
“Actually, it wasn’t minor [surgery]. He had some major stuff done on his ankle,” admitted Cone in Wednesday’s episode of Playitright TV. “[It was] some removal of bone spurs. It’s common among players, and [some] players do have a lot of issues with bone spurs on their foot and you have to have them removed. Usually, you’re out anywhere between four to eight weeks, and sometimes it can even be longer.”
Cone then added that his longtime import at Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is about four weeks removed from his bone spur removal, putting him right in the middle of that recovery timeframe of four to six weeks
Asked by Playitright TV host Quinito Henson to confirm that Brownlee underwent a bone spur removal procedure, Cone answered in the affirmative.
The PBA’s winningest, though, is hopeful that his prized reinforcement will be near 100% come the Asian Games thanks to continued rehab and practice. Cone is also drawing confidence from Brownlee’s never-say-die, no-backing-down attitude to playing the game of basketball.
“Justin’s a gamer,” Cone pointed out. “You don’t see him ever miss games or miss practices because he plays through everything. He’s going to play through the aches and pains and everything.”
“He’s a real gamer,” Cone repeated.
He is a gamer, all right. And he will have to be at his best at the Asiad if Gilas has a chance to medal.