Rain or Shine center Keith Datu has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury in Wednesday’s PBA Philippine Cup game against Phoenix.
The team said on Thursday that Datu was diagnosed with a ruptured right patellar tendon he suffered during the third quarter of the Elasto Painters’ 91-80 victory at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
He appeared to have gotten hurt after an awkward landing as he went for a basket, and had to be helped out by his teammates back to the bench.
WE’RE JUST FINDING WAYS
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao on the injuries of Keith Datu, Stanley Pringle, Caelan Tiongson and Luis Villegas after a 91-80 win over Phoenix.
Despite that, the Elasto Painters are on top of the PBA Philippine Cup standings at 5-1 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/cg5FXw31N2
– Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) November 6, 2025
‘You’ve shown so much fight every time you stepped on the court, and we know that same strength will carry you through this. We’re praying for your fast and full recovery, Keith, and we’ll be right here to support you every step of the way,’ the team said.
Datu had been dealing with injuries since being selected by Rain or Shine in the first round of the 2023 Rookie Draft, but it appeared that he was primed for a breakthrough season in the early goings of the All-Filipino tilt.
Against Phoenix, Datu had nine points and four rebounds before the injury.
His absence leaves Rain or Shine with another dilemma, as it has also played most of the conference sans veteran guard Stanley Pringle and Caelan Tiongson.
Despite that, Rain or Shine is holding top spot in the standings with a 5-1 win-loss slate.