Dela Cruz tears Achilles, out for four months

Blackwater’s Art dela Cruz. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Blackwater forward Art dela Cruz will be out of action for at least four months after suffering a torn Achilles tendon on Tuesday.

The hardworking stalwart injured his ankle in the first day of Gilas Pilipinas’ three-day training camp in Tagaytay, where he is a part of the 25-man national team pool.

Sources close to the situation shared that Dela Cruz has already undergone surgery at Makati Medical Center this afternoon and will be out of action for the majority of the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The 6-foot-4 sophomore averaged 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals this past Philippine Cup, where the Elite bowed out after an eighth place playoff against Rain or Shine.

Dela Cruz’ absence will put a huge dent in Blackwater’s playoff aspirations as it will put more pressure on rookie Mac Belo and veterans Reil Cervantes to deliver this second conference.

The Elite opens their conference against Phoenix this Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome.