Ankle sprain sidelines Texters guard Alapag for 2 weeks

Now both Talk 'N Text coach Chot Reyes and Pilipinas-Smart Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman can heave a sigh of relief after tests showed Jimmy Alapag's injury in the Tropang Texters' game against Alaska Wednesday night was more than just a sprain. The 33-year-old veteran guard confirmed that shortly after undergoing X-ray and meeting with renowned surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas. Tests revealed that he bore no fracture or dislocation on his right ankle. "It was only a sprain and bone bruise," said Alapag, considered a key player in Talk 'N Text's bid to win a rare PBA Grand Slam and Gilas' ambitious campaign to clinch an Olympic berth in the FIBA-Asia men's basketball championship in Wuhan, China this September. Alapag injured his right ankle after stepping on the foot of teammate Ranidel de Ocampo early in the third period of Talk 'N Text’s 101-75 win over Alaska. He referred to the incident as a 'freak accident.' "It happens sometimes." Despite a lesser degree of injury, Alapag still needs a couple of week's rest before getting back into action. The former Rookie of the Year said he'll be sidelined for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of two weeks. Toroman is somehow relieved by the fact that Alapag will not be sidelined for a long time considering that the FIBA-Asia meet is just three months away. "Of course, it worries me. It's a risk," said Toroman, who sat beside Talk 'N Text team owner and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan in the Tropang Texters-Aces game. "But we'll try that these things will not affect us." Toroman added the three months before the FIBA-Asia, which offers a berth to the 2012 London Olympics, would likewise allow Alapag to rest and heal his body from any injury. "We have time. Jimmy is so motivated to play for the national team," said the Serbian mentor. - JVP, GMA News