PBA: Jeremiah Gray ‘blessed’ as he makes long waited Ginebra return

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Jeremiah Gray in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against NorthPort Batang Pier. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Jeremiah Gray couldn’t contain his excitement after returning to PBA action in the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals with Ginebra.

At Philsports Arena on Friday, Gray officially returned to organized basketball after a year and half on the sidelines due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.

Getting back on the court filled Gray with joy but most of all, it was the Gin Kings’ patience in him that made the sniper emotional upon his return.

READ: PBA: Ginebra developing Jeremiah Gray’s ‘complete game’

“Being back out there on the floor is just a big blessing to me. It’s been a long time and I just feel really blessed to be a part of a ball club like Ginebra,” said Gray after their dominant 119-106 win over the Batang Pier.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Jeremiah Gray and NorthPort Batang Pier import Kadeem Jack in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m thankful to boss Alfrancis (Chua) and boss RSA (Ramon S. Ang) for keeping me around through my rehab. I’m just very grateful to be back out there with my teammates and playing the game I love again.”

Back in July of 2023, Gray suffered a freak injury  during a fast break play against NLEX in the PBA on Tour preseason.

Gray has been  cleared to play for Ginebra since last month but coach Tim Cone said he needed to get his feet wet first in scrimmages before seeing action officially.

Gray only finished with six points in his return in just nine minutes of action.

That didn’t seem to dampen his excitement at all, though, expressing his joy after hitting his first basket in the PBA after a long time.

“Once I hit that first shot and it went in, then I heard my name for the three-ball, it felt really good being out there,” he said.

Gray hopes to do more for the Gin Kings in Game 3 against Northport on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.