RUMOR: Letran center Raymond Almazan has worn out his welcome with the Letran Knights after his unexplained disappearance early in the NCAA season.
FACTS: For starters, we have to ask the question that begs to be answered: How can a 6-foot-7 guy disappear without a trace?
Unbelievable as it may be, that's exactly what happened to the 23-year-old Almazan, the Knights' starting slotman last season who has left the team for over a month now with not one person -- not his coach, his wife or his teammates -- able to come up with a logical explanation.
“Clueless kami lahat,” said Letran star Kevin Alas, supposedly one of the guys in the team closest to Almazan.
Knights coach Louie Alas had earlier stated fever as the reason for Almazan’s absence. But he finally confirmed his prized ward’s situation after their game against Lyceum on August 2, saying he was “literally missing in action.” Even Almazan’s wife had no idea about the guy’s whereabouts, he added.
Almazan had already shown signs of disinterest before the season after he failed to show up for practices and the Knights' games in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, opting to play for pay with the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems in the PBA D-League.
According to the younger Alas, Letran’s Dominican fathers and the school's athletic officials had a chance to talk with Almazan and managed to convince the Bataan native to rejoin the Knights, who welcomed him with open arms.
“Pag balik welcome pa rin siya. Pag sa ibang team siguro, tinanggal na nila yun,” the younger Alas said.
There was no question that the Knights could use a player like Almazan, who possesses a rare combination of height and skill. He proved his worth last year after averaging seven points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks as a starter in all 20 games en route to a Mythical Team selection.
After rejoining Letran in time for the start of this NCAA season, Almazan once again underscored his value to the team as he helped the Knights beat title favorite San Sebastian 80-74, on opening day, tallying six points, 11 boards and one block.
In his second game for the Knights, Almazan registered six points, five boards and two blocks in their 66-69 loss to University of Perpetual Help on June 30.
Then he went missing.
Team officials insist there was no incident that could have triggered Almazan's disappearance. Not a feud or a scolding; nothing of that sort, they swore.
Two weeks ago, the Knights heard from their two other players who hail from Bataan, Jamil Gabawan and Alvin Almario, that Almazan was just in the province recuperating from dengue fever. But the news was never verified as Letran officials could not get in touch with the beanpole.
After missing the Knights' last six games, it has become apparent that Almazan has worn out his welcome. But beyond that, there is concern among players over Almazan's welfare.
“Last year isa siya sa pinaka-close ko. Gusto ko siya tulungan pero paano ko gagawin iyon kung hindi mo siya ma-contact,” the younger Alas said.
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