Hodge vows to bring back the energy Meralco’s been missing

MANILA, Philippines – If there’s one thing the Meralco Bolts have been missing in the past weeks, it’s Cliff Hodge’s energy and hustle.

The athletic 6-foot-5 forward has been saddled with a right ankle sprain that forced him to sit out for over a month. Prior to his injury, Hodge has been giving the Bolts the extra batteries, averaging 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in two games, while giving his team endless energy on both ends of the floor.

Hodge feels great to finally return to action, but he admits he’s far from a hundred percent.

“It feels great (to be back) but I’m still not a hundred percent. When I’m healthy, I’ll be able to lead the team with my energy,” he said after the Bolts’ 86-99 loss to Barako Bull.

The former Sinag Pilipinas standout just played 12 minutes and scored a single point, missing his two attempts from the field. He did have a bright moment after skying high for a rejection against Dorian Pena from behind early in the match.

Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio admits Hodge is still not in his true form, but he lauded his player for suiting up despite being hurt.

“He wanted to play. He’s not a hundred percent but he wanted to help us. Unfortunately, he missed the past six games,” he said.

“The doctor advised him to stay out for 8 weeks. He’s 3 weeks early and he’s not yet in good game shape.”

Despite the situation, Gregorio will wait patiently. He said his other big guys like Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Reynel Hugnatan have played extensive minutes to make up for Hodge’s absence, so he’ll just wait until Hodge becomes a hundred percent.

“I’ve played them (Al-Hussaini and Hugnatan) for so long; the minutes they’ve played are so extensive to compensate for the absence of Cliff (Hodge). We’re not out of it yet. We just want to stay competitive and get better.” – Rappler.com