Healed Escoto ready to prove worth for Kia

Russel Escoto’s rookie season with Kia didn’t go exactly as he planned.

The 25-year-old power forward from Far Eastern University suffered an ACL tear on his left knee back in January cutting his first season short.

Escoto, though, is just a few weeks from returning and he’s already confident he can provide quality numbers for the Picanto.

“I’ve waited for so long so when I come back I promise that I will be at my best form,” said Escoto in Filipino Thursday at Azure Urban Resort Residences during Kia’s practice session.

“I’ll make sure I will give everything I’ve got.”

Escoto has been cleared to engage in set plays but he’s not yet allowed to practice with the team in full contact sessions.

The former Tamaraw said he’d make his return two weeks into January, smack in the middle of the PBA Philippine Cup.

And although he’s still in the latter stages of his recovery, Escoto is eager to show his wares against the giants of the PBA.

Escoto would return in a PBA frontcourt under the rule of San Miguel’s four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo with Ginebra duo of Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar also in the conversation.

“Yes they’re bigger than me,” said the 6-foot-6 Escoto. “But I think I have the advantage in terms of outside shooting, that’s the area that I see where I can take advantage of.”