The 6-foot-7 Raymundo has missed most of the games in the Fiesta Cup due to nagging injuries before undergoing surgery.

“I’m getting better and stronger every week,” Raymundo said recently in an email. “I started playing basketball again a weeks ago and I am happy… no more pain.”

Raymundo, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on Jan. 19, is eyeing a February return in time for the next PBA conference.

Even B-Meg alternate governor and PBA chairman Rene Pardo is optimistic that Raymundo will be ready to play again.

“The operation on Kerby was very successful,” Pardo said. “What he needs is to regain his physical strength for basketball, and he’s doing very well in LA with his condition.”

Raymundo left for Los Angeles last Aug. 18 with his family. After several tests, he went under the knife Sept. 8. Two days later, he began his rehabilitation process.
“I thank God because the company fully supports me. I’m also blessed because I’m in good hands with (Physical therapist) John Meyer and (skill coach) Paul Mitalski,” he said.
Raymundo said he plays basketball five times a week.

He admits feeling soreness on his knees because of the long lay-off. He had not played for almost four months.

Raymundo is one of three players on the injured list when B-Meg began its title-retention bid in the Philippine Cup.

Marc Pingris also had a hip injury, while Rafi Reavis fractured his right middle finger in an off-season tune-up game against the Philippine Patriots.

Pingris has returned to action while Reavis is hoping to play in the semifinals.

The Llamados are up against the top seeded Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters.

TNT won in the series-opener, 91-98, but things are looking good for B-Meg Derby Ace with the return of veteran playmaker Roger Yap, who missed Game 1 because a strained right ankle.

Game 2 is set tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

The best-of-seven Final Four showdown between second seed San Miguel Beer and third seed Barangay Ginebra will start also tomorrow.

Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin