NJURY-plagued B-MEG Derby Ace will soon get a much-needed help up front with the return of Kerby Raymundo.

Raymundo is back in town after a successful rehabilitation in the United States and the Llamados are itching to get him back in the hard-court to strengthen their inside presence after a number of their big men are now sidelined with injuries.

Raymundo, who missed the entire Philippine Cup and was out for about eight months, arrived last Sunday and looked in batter shape than ever.

B-MEG Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, Raymundo still needs to be observed if he can return to playing competitive basketball as soon as possible.

“Kerby (Raymundo) is back. We’re still seeing if he’s ready to return to action and we hope he is. We need him back,’’ said Gallent. “I guess he’s in shape, but we’ll see if he’s in game-shape.’’

“Kinuwento niya sa akin na wala siyang pick-up games doon sa States, pero ‘yung mga injured na NBA players nakakalaro niya du’n sa camp niya. Kasi daw, ‘yung mga injured players doon may personal trainer, tapos pinapa two-on-two sila.’’

Raymundo participated in his squad’s scrimmages yesterday.

Even if they are now on a two-game streak after dropping their first two outings, the Llamados still need Raymundo back as soon as possible, as big men Rico Maierhoffer and Rafi Reavis, B-MEG’s regular frontliners, are both out with injuries.

Maierhoffer will be sidelined for around five to six months after tearing his ACL early in the conference, while the injury-prone Reavis will most likely be out for three months as he will have surgery on his injured leg this week in the US.

Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today