Co allows Oraeme to take one-year leave; Menina back for Mapua

Mapua Cardinals coach Atoy Co (Photo by TRISTAN TAMAYO / INQUIRER.net)

Mapua head coach Atoy Co said on Wednesday center Allwell Oraeme is still with the Cardinals but with the scenario surrounding his big man, the PBA legend known as Fortune Cookie has no choice but allow his star to sit out the upcoming Season 93.

“I can’t do anything. So I’ll just take whatever’s in front of me,” Co said at Filoil Flying V Centre following a preseason game against College of St. Benilde. “I’ll let him rest for one year. But we have a condition that he will be an enrolled student and continue to study.”

Oraeme has stirred headlines for the past few weeks after leaving the Cardinals, saying he had family matters to attend to in Nigeria. But it seems that the two-time MVP is still in the country.

Co added Oraeme would still attend team matters, but he wouldn’t play in the NCAA and the preseason tournaments.

“I told him that he has to practice three times a week, because I can’t let him be idle for one year,” Co said, “He won’t be in the proper condition to play if he doesn’t do anything for one year.”

And as for wingman Darell Menina, Co said his shooter would still be with the team come Season 93.

Earlier reports said that Medina would leave the team, but Co diffused such talks.

“Next year, Menina will be back,” Co said. /atm