THE Gilas Pilipinas’ talented Cebuano forward Carl Tamayo sprained his ankle in their win against Indonesia in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on Friday night and is not expected to play in the much-anticipated rematch against South Korea on Sunday, June 20.

The 6-foot-7 forward stepped on the foot of Indonesian forward Arki Wisnu during a battle for the loose ball early in the fourth, crumpled to the floor and had to be helped up by his teammates to the bench.

Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin revealed after the game that the youngster from Talisay City has a Grade One sprain.

“Carl has a Grade One sprain. Not that serious,” shared Baldwin. “But it might be upgraded once the swelling subsides.”

Tamayo’s absence will definitely be felt by the team especially after he broke out against Korea, scoring 10 points including two key baskets that helped stabilize the Philippines in the tight game against their longtime rivals last Wednesday. He also had six points, four boards, two assists and two steals versus Indonesia.

Baldwin added that Tamayo would be sitting out the team’s practice on Saturday and although he doesn’t think his prized forward would be able to play versus Korea, he’s still going to wait for the official word from the team’s doctor.

“He won’t be active tomorrow. On Sunday, I don’t think it’s probable but I will have to wait for the doctor’s advice,” Baldwin added. (JNP)