NLEX’S high-scoring Syrian import Michel Madanly immediately left the Mall of Asia Arena after hurting his nape during a collision with Barako Bull’s Dylan Ababou in the Road Warriors’ 101-96 loss on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old Madanly will be heading straight to Cardinal Santos Medical Center to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exam and CT scan.
“As of now, ang initial diagnosis, whiplash lang siya. And hopefully, muscular lang, kaya dinala na lang siya (Madanly) sa ospital where he’ll have MRI and CT scan,” explained NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez after the game.
“We hope he’ll be okay and that there won’t be any major problems that will occur.”
Fernandez explained that Madanly will definitely play an integral role on offense and defense for NLEX, which hopes to make a strong follow-up to the franchise’s fifth place finish in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Michel has been practicing with us the last two weeks. He’s the team’s anchor on our offense and defense,” he said.
Fernandez said they will just have to forget about the team’s inconsistent showing in their debut game for the season-ending conference and begin focusing on Saturday’s game against defending champion Purefoods Star.
“We just have to forget this loss, learn from what happened tonight and look forward to Saturday’s game against Purefoods,” explained Fernandez.
The soft-spoken NLEX coach is also expecting a lot more from wide-bodied American import Kwame Alexander, who managed to finish with 16 points and 10 rebounds despite arriving in Manila only on Monday night.
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