MANILA, Philippines – Coach Yeng Guiao is unsure of when rookie Caelan Tiongson will return to Rain or Shine to support the team in its current matchup with TNT in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

The 6-foot-5 Tiongson’s ability to play in the season-opening conference is still up in the air, according to the Elasto Painters coach.

Tiongson, who was selected by the team with the seventh overall pick in the most recent draft, has been out since the quarterfinal series against Magnolia due to a strained calf.

He is still missing team games, such as Sunday’s 110-109 victory over the Tropang Giga in Game 3 at Dasmarinas City Arena.

Coach Guiao expressed his uncertainty with regards to the return of the athlete back into the scene. Reports quote him saying he does not know, they do not know.

Tiongson has not yet joined Rain or Shine in full team workouts, thus it is anticipated that his absence from the court would be longer. Although Tiongson is improving and can shoot around, Coach Yeng Guiao stated that he is still unable to contribute completely to Elasto Painters practice sessions.

Rain or Shine has suffered greatly as a result of Tiongson’s absence during the playoffs, especially as Guiao considers him the team’s best defender while against foreign imports. His absence is even more noticeable because his defensive skills are essential in protecting gifted international players.

Jhonard Clarito and veteran Gabe Norwood have taken Tiongson’s position and are jointly in charge of protecting Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a gifted import for TNT. Despite their strong performances, Tiongson’s unique position as the main “import stopper” is difficult to replace. As they continue their playoff run, the club has missed his defensive abilities, particularly when playing against elite imports. In order to bolster their defensive efforts during the crucial phases of the competition, Rain or Shine will hope that Tiongson fully recovers and rejoins the lineup.

Coach Yeng Guiao saw that Jhonard Clarito and Gabe Norwood needed to take over and oversee the team’s primary defensive responsibilities during Caelan Tiongson’s injury. Both players took on the difficult duty of protecting Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT’s star import, which Tiongson would normally be in charge of.

The Elasto Painters secured a much-needed victory by breaking through in the best-of-seven series. Extending the series as the semifinals go on not only preserves Rain or Shine’s prospects of winning the title, but it also raises the possibility that Tiongson may return. Tiongson has more time to heal the longer the series lasts, which gives Rain or Shine hope that their star defender will return to the starting lineup and offer much-needed defensive support.

Recap of Tiongson’s unfavorable mishap

Due to a leg injury, Terrafirma star Juami Tiongson will miss the rest of the Governors’ Cup. Tiongson was forced to leave Dyip’s first-round encounter against Magnolia early due to a pop in his left leg, which ultimately resulted in a loss for his club. The ailment was ultimately determined to be a partial hamstring strain by medical tests.

Tiongson’s injury keeps him from getting back to the court as soon as possible, even though surgery is not necessary—a relief considering the lengthier recuperation period such a treatment would need. The Mythical Second Team member and 2021 Most Improved Player stated that he would like to play in the Dyip’s final two games because he thinks it will help his team win some games and stay healthy for the remainder of the season.

Tiongson is conscious of the dangers of making an early comeback, though. Despite his desire to play for his team because he is competitive, he knows that pushing himself too soon could worsen his injury and endanger his long-term health. Tiongson is still committed to his recuperation for the time being, hoping to make a stronger comeback later.