FILE – Chris Ross. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/iNQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It’s no secret that Chris Ross is one of the most hardworking players in the PBA playing on a rampant pace on both ends of the ball.
Prior to the Beermen’s game against Alaska, Ross averaged nearly 40 minutes a game so it was an odd sight when the 6-foot-2 point guard sat most of the match against the Aces.
San Miguel, however, didn’t need much of Ross as it easily handled the Aces, 119-107, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Cuneta Astrodome.
Ross said he “felt some discomfort” in his right Achilles that forced him to play less than 14 minutes.
“I had sprained my ankle two days ago and I sprained it again in the first quarter and I started feeling discomfort in my ankle and Achilles and decided to just sit this one out.”
This isn’t the first time that Ross dealt with health issues this conference after he sat out the Beermen’s opening game due to a torn meniscus and a tear in his shoulder—both injuries he sustained in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup Finals series against Magnolia.
Ross, who left the game at the 8:13 mark of the fourth, is averaging a near triple-double with 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.
He added that he could’ve played through the pain if the game was a bit closer, but the Beermen held a 69-41 lead early in the third quarter so he and the coaching staff decided to play it safe.
“This is just precautionary,” said Ross. “The coaches, the training staff, and my teammates were all telling me to get some rest. If the game was more competitive, or a little closer, I probably would’ve played.”
Ross also said he’s not certain if he’ll suit up for San Miguel’s next game against the Hotshots on Wednesday.
“I’ll see how my body reacts and go from there,” said Ross. “My plan is to play but we’ll see. I got a few days to get some therapy and get some rest.”