The curse is over for Keith Datu.
After suffering a series of health-related issues, Datu is finally back in harness to power Rain or Shine in its title quest in the Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.
The 6-foot-8 slotman had missed a total of five games after experiencing knee pains. Eventually, he contracted pneumonia that led to his hospitalization.
In his return to action, Datu fired 11 points on 3-of-7 three-point shooting with five rebounds and four blocks to power the Elasto Painters to a 113-101 win over NLEX last Friday to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said things could have been different had the Filipino-American big man was not sidelined by various injuries.
“I felt we should have won a few more games had Keith Datu played for us,” Guiao said.
“He missed five games. We were expecting him to play, but for one reason or another, on game day, he’s not well.” Guiao said Datu may just played only his second game of the season but he is blending well with the Elasto Painters, especially with their import Demetrius Treadwell.
“That changed in a big way when he played and we’re hoping it continues and he blends even better with Tree (Tredwell). He understands how he can complement the locals’ game and how the locals can complement his game. We should be getting better, knowing we are trying to keep ourselves in the conference,” Guiao said.
Datu said he looks forward to playing more games — and hopes the team builds a winning run.
“I’m very grateful for Rain or Shine for allowing me to be healthy again,” Datu said.
“I had a flu and developed into pneumonia.”
Now healthier and even more immersed with the system, Datu has every reason to feel upbeat.
“I’m now feeling good,” he said.
“I’m doing whatever I can to help the team, whether the little things, rebound, box out, or defend. Individual stats are nice, but I’m focused on the team.”
