MACAU -- Blackwater coach Bong Ramos expects a revitalized sophomore forward Mac Belo when the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup kicks off in August.
After dealing with knee issues in the Commissioner's Cup, Ramos feels the 6-4 Belo is ready to get back into action -- starting with the 2018 Summer Super 8, which features professional ball clubs from China, South Korea, Japan and Chinese Taipei in Macau, China.
"As of now, Mac told me his knee is better, though he's not yet in game shape, which is why we will be using this tournament in Macau as a way to tune in him up because we expect him to be ready for the third conference," Ramos told ESPN5 shortly after landing in Macau on Monday afternoon.
Blackwater makes its debut in the Summer Super 8 on Tuesday when it faces the Samsung Thunders from Korean Basketball League at 5 p.m.
The 25-year-old former Far Eastern U star showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season last year after the Elite selected him from the special PBA rookie draft for Gilas Cadet players.
But he eventually tore his meniscus on his right knee and had to undergo surgery shortly after the 2017 Philippine Cup.
The sweet-shooting wingman recovered well last year and didn't miss a game in the Philippine Cup this season. But he admitted he had to deal with pain on his quads during the midseason conference.
Nonetheless, Ramos is confident that his prized forward is ready for action. In fact, the Blackwater mentor expects Belo to play a vital role for the Elite since they won't have big men Rabeh Al-Hussaini and James Sena for the Macau tournament.
"This will be Mac's chance to play because we don't have Rabeh and James here. So Mac will be helping Chris (Javier) and Toto (Raymar Jose) against bigger opponents," explained Ramos.
Belo played nine games in the Commissioner's Cup and averaged 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Before turning pro, Belo has been a regular fixture for the Gilas pool, having won two gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, gold medals in the SEABA Championships and SEABA Cup, as well as seeing action in the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge and the 2016 FIBA 3x3 World Championships.