CHICAGO -- A college star at UCLA and the 14th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, Shabazz Muhammad is inarguably one of the most high-profile imports in PBA history.
And while his credentials look good on paper, so do his exploits on the court. Which was why Magnolia, desperate to end a six-year PBA title drought, brought him in to lead the Hotshots' championship mission.
Unfortunately, that collaboration is nearing its abrupt, inevitable end.
"Not official yet but very likely and with the schedule coming with games every other day it's tough to get any rest," Muhammad said.
The dynamic 6-foot-6, 222-pound forward sustained a knee sprain while warming up against TNT last Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Despite playing on one leg, Shabazz went on to log 40 minutes and 18 seconds of action in an 84-82 loss to the Tropa where he finished with 30 points and 17 rebounds.
Although an MRI would later reveal "no structural damage," the swelling needs to subside before he can begin rehab. Time simply isn't on his side as the playoffs beckon.
HE'LL BE BACK.
"I'm super bummed about this, man," Muhammad said, adding that Magnolia coach Chito Victolero had told him that this setback isn't the end of their partnership.
Much as Magnolia loves the phenom from Bishop Gorman high school in Las Vegas, the feeling is absolutely mutual.
"This team is a great fit for me, I just need to rest my knee for a couple weeks. I don't want to go out there and play 50 percent like I did against TNT," he explained.
Shabazz's affection extends beyond Magnolia.
"I love the people here. They are real fans and really know their basketball," he said. And when given the opportunity to return to the PBA, Shabazz promised, "I'll be back with a vengeance for sire."
Shabazz's injury is not an isolated case.
Jordan Adams of San Miguel has a hamstring strain. Converge replaced Scotty Hopson following a hip/groin injury while Venky Jois of NorthPort is out after an Achilles surgery.
But given the heat on both coach Victolero and his team, the imminent exit of Shabazz cuts the deepest.
SURGING WATERS.
The King, I mean George of Blackwater, is back.
After a couple of so-so games that were beneath the standard he set since reinforcing the Bossing, King dazzled with 49 points, 11 rebounds and four assists Saturday night.
Blackwater's 111-94 victory over San Miguel provided a lot of oxygen for their playoffs hopes.
An NLEX loss to Ginebra tomorrow coupled with a win over Rain or Shine on Monday will catapult Blackwater to the quarterfinals.
What a stunning turn of events that would be.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
