It looks like injured rookie Jeremiah Gray would see action in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) earlier than expected.
Gray, the second overall pick in the previous Annual Rookie Draft, told Daily Tribune that he is looking forward to return to court and form a dynamic duo with reigning Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup next month.
The 6-foot-5 swingman said he cannot wait to finish his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament tear that he suffered during the Lakas ng Tatlo 3×3 tournament last November.
In fact, he is more than ready to join the Kings in their practices but has yet to formally secure clearance from their medical staff.
“For real, yeah, I’m very excited to play with Scottie, for sure. I just met with the therapists of Ginebra and they told me I’m doing very well,” said Gray, who is expected to be sidelined until January of next year.
“I’ll go practice right now for sure but I’m gonna leave it up to the doctors and let them decide that.”
The 25-year-old Gray is arguably one of the finest talents in the previous draft.
He was taken by Terrafirma but was dealt to Ginebra in exchange for former University of the Philippines standout Javi Gomez de Liaño and sophomore Brian Enriquez.
“Jeremiah is a talent we’re ready and willing to wait for,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said moments after the transaction was approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office.
“Reports have it that he would be out for the entire year, but he’s young and we’re already an established team. We can afford to wait for his return.”
It turned out that the wait won’t be long as the Kings were able to place him on active roster during their quarterfinal series against Meralco.
He failed to see a single minute but his activation sent a very strong message that the Kings are ready to hand him the key to their offensive machine.
Gray said he is looking forward to meeting his teammates.
“I can’t wait to meet the whole team. I haven’t met anybody yet, but I’ll meet them soon,” Gray said.
“I’m very excited to play everybody for sure. I mean, it’s a very exciting league and I just can’t wait to be out there and be around this crowd and its energy.”