Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao have made their move to La Salle official. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren said transferee Mark Nonoy had to sit out in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball opener as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Season 82’s top rookie, who transferred from the rubble of University of Santo Tomas’ collapsed program two years ago, didn’t make his much-anticipated debut in La Salle’s 71-66 victory over University of the East on Saturday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.
Pumaren said he didn’t want to rush Nonoy’s hamstring recovery as the Green Archers need him long-term in their basketball comeback from a two-year layoff caused by the pandemic.
“We’re making sure that he’s 100 percent. We can’t afford to let him play at 70 to 80 percent. Until he’s really clear, then that’s the time we’ll let him play,” bared Pumaren shortly after their win.
Despite the absence of the Negros Occidental native, Schonny Winston made an impressive 22-point debut and Evan Nelle, a transferee from San Beda, filled in the void left by Nonoy tallying 11 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds.
Pumaren is hoping for the quick recovery of Nonoy, who averaged 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during his rookie year in UST, as La Salle eyes its second win against fellow opening day winner National University on Tuesday.
“Hopefully, he’ll be healthy by then. We’ll see in the next couple of days if he’ll be ready. We’re looking at the long term here, not just the short term,” the new La Salle coach said.