Nothing it seems can stop Lyceum's JM Bravo from thinking of playing again so soon even after a scary moment during his team's NCAA game against Arellano last Saturday where he was knocked out cold after getting hit in the jaw, rushed to the hospital and underwent concussion protocols.
He was told he may have to stay in the hospital for a few days, get neuro specialists to observe him and advised that he could skip the season if he wanted to and that it will be okay with the school.
But Bravo is far from thinking about the consequences of losing his conciousness when he had a chance to talk to NCAA Management Committee chairman and Lyceum athletic director Herc Callanta hours after regaining his senses, asking: "Sir, kelan ako puwede bumalik?"
READ Barba admits ‘acting on instinct’ upon seeing Bravo out cold
Callanta assured him that if doctors give him clearance to play then the Lyceum wingman is welcome to join the Pirates again.
“It will be good for us to secure a clearance para lang sigurado, tsaka lang for everyone’s peace of mind,” said Callanta a day following the incident that happened with just eight seconds left in the game.
“(But) ‘I don’t think he’ll be able to play in the next two games, personally.”
Still everything would be up to Bravo and the rest of the Pirates if it remains feasible to have the 6-foot-2 wingman return to the lineup and complete the team’s campaign for the season.
“The only reason that might happen (Bravo not returning) is personal na niya. And the team na rin siguro. Twice na siyang na-injure so parang may mga nagsasabi na maybe this is not his season,” said Callanta of Bravo, who earlier missed seven games in the first round due to a spinal injury.
“Walang health or physical reason that will hinder him (to return). But if he’d rather take a rest, we’ll honor that.”
Bravo was knocked out unconscious after accidentally being hit solidly on the jaw by the head of Arellano’s Renzo Abiera with eight seconds left in the game.
He was immediately rushed to the Cardinal Santos Medical Center where he stayed overnight under the league's concussion protocols.
Callanta said Bravo had undergone two CT scans and had been administered tests pertaining to his cognition and normal physical capabilities.
“So far, he’s good. But kasi nga 'yung concussion protocols usually 'yan over a period of time. So he will be tested again and again to see his tolerance for physical activity and cognitive focus and functioning. So that will go on for about a week,” said the Lyceum official.
“He’s fine and in good spirit. We’re just making sure of everything.”
Callanta said the school is just awaiting for the neuro surgeon’s approval before Bravo would be discharged from the hospital.
“Most probably tomorrow (Monday),” added Callanta of the possibility of Bravo finally going home. “After that, he would go back probably for testing once again to see if he continues improving. Wala naman talagang dysfunction.”
The good thing about Bravo, said Callanta, was that he remembered everything that happened before he passed out inside the court.
“He knew what happened. And that’s good, kasi some cases like that, hindi nila alam kung ano yung nangyari. Some of them even ended up with transcient amnesia for 24 hours. Siya wala,” said the former strength and conditioning coach of PBA team Formula Shell.
“Sabi nga niya sa akin ‘Sir, kelan ako puwede bumalik,” recalled Callanta of his video call with Bravo just hours after the misfortune. “I told him to concentrate first on getting well.”
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