San Beda’s first step towards title number six just got rougher as the Red Lions will open the season on Saturday without star guard Baser Amer.
The Davaoeno playmaker is still nursing an injured shoulder incurred in Game 2 of the PBA D-League Finals on Monday and is expected to miss at least two weeks of action.
Coach Jamike Jarin confirmed the development, as he will be without Amer when San Beda opens its title defense against host Mapua on Saturday.
The Gilas cadet failed to show up in the deciding Game 3 last Thursday, where Hapee fell to CafeFrance.
Despite Amer’s absence, Jarin will have seniors Ola Adeogun and Art dela Cruz for the Red Lions’ first game of the season after the two were cleared to play by team doctors.
Adeogun injured his left hamstring, while Dela Cruz hyperextended his left knee in the same D-League game. Both did not see action on Game 3.
San Beda will be gunning for its sixth title in as many years under Jarin and would want to send Amer, Adeogun, and Dela Cruz on a winning note as the three play their final year in Mendiola. AU