Raymond Almazan missed Meralco’s 97-87 victory over NorthPort on Thursday, June 23 after being put under health and safety protocols.
Bolts head coach Norman Black revealed the team is still expecting to miss the services of the 6-foot-7 slotman when the Bolts take on NLEX on Saturday.
“Raymond is under health protocols. Hopefully, he will be re-tested this weekend and he’ll be back already,” said Black during the post-game presser.
Black was also optimistic to have Almazan back soon since he only has "very, very mild" symptoms. Still, the Meralco big man will need to be re-tested before he can finally join the Bolts practices and eventually during games.
“I think he can be re-tested on Sunday. So I expect him back very soon. He won’t play on Saturday very soon. I can’t really tell you how he became positive. I can’t tell you that. I really don’t know. But it’s out there and we all have to be careful and take precautions so we don’t get sick,” said the veteran mentor.
“Luckily for us, his symptoms were very, very mild and I think he is feeling okay right now. But there are protocols that have to be followed. We are just following them,” Black added.
Fortunately for the Bolts, Almazan was hardly missed as back-up big men Reynel Hugnatan, Raymar Jose and Noy Baclao willingly stepped up and held the fort against the Batang Pier.
Hugnatan contributed 11 points while Jose made the most of the rare playing time with nine markers and 13 boards.