Ginebra's InjurySerye: Another injury but two players is nearing return. including their secret weapon

Injuries continue to be the main issue of the current top team of the conference. The 5-1 Ginebra may be down to 9 players in their next game this Friday, with Joe Devance out indefinitely.

Devance who played hurt in their last few games suffered a stress fracture in his right foot last Sunday and will be out for a few weeks. 

The good news for Ginebra is the near return of Japeth Aguilar and Art Dela Cruz. 

Japeth suffered a pulled muscle during the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers and coach Tim is not sure if he can already play this Friday. 

Just in case Japeth will not play, the frontline of Ginebra will be down to Justin Brownlee, Prince Caperal, Kevin Ferrer and Aljon Mariano. Will Ginebra continue to play it thin or will they finally make a move to have a buffer at least?

Japeth has been playing very well this season. I don't think I am overrating him already if I say that he is already the best local player of Ginebra. So, his return will be a big boost for the franchise.

On the other hand, Art Dela Cruz is finally practicing with the team. Art ruptured his Achilles tendon last December and in March, 2017. That pushed him to miss one year and two months from basketball. 

Art is simply the secret weapon of Ginebra. He is the player that can further enhance the play of the team. Unfortunately, injuries shelved him.

If you forgot already how he plays, he is a lite version of Joe Devance. He can play multiple positions, capable playmaker and ball handler and can defend competently.

In his sophomore season with Blackwater, he averaged 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 50% per game. 

If Art return, the versatility of the forwards of Ginebra will further increase because Art will be joining Mariano and Ferrer.