ARELLANO'S CJ Libang is hoping to get back on the court before they enter the second round of their NCAA Season 102 campaign.
For now, however, the Chiefs' starting center needs to recover after revealing to SPIN.ph that he suffered an MCL sprain, forcing him to the sidelines in the coming weeks.
Libang suffered the knee injury with 1:12 left in the second quarter of their 82-81 win against Letran on Monday after trying to contest Denzil Walker’s drive.
The Arellano big landed awkwardly after being undercut by teammate Karl Flores while attempting to challenge the shot.
“Yung feeling ko, parang nanigas yung tuhod ko. 'Di ko siya ma-bend,” he said three days later, watching from behind the bench in street clothes, as they suffered their first loss at the hands of Mapua.
READ: Rising Mapua wakes Arellano from dream start in NCAA Season 102
“Siyempre, nakakalungkot kasi nakikita ko yung mga teammates ko na nahihirapan sila. Ako, gusto ko sana silang tulungan.”
Road to recovery
The injury comes on the heels of the 6-foot-5 Libang's steady start to the season, averaging 6.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in his first three games.
Nonetheless, the Chiefs are optimistic about the 6-foot-5 Libang’s recovery, with their physical therapist also telling SPIN.ph that he is able to walk without pain.
“Di naman ako pinapabayaan ng mga coaches. Bibigyan lang nila ako ng mga exercise, makikinig lang ako at sasipagan ko lang,” he said, as he joins fellow rookie Ray Ladica on the injured list.
With Arellano still having plenty of basketball left in its campaign, Libang is taking the patient route, as he works toward a timely return.
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