BY GWEN BERGADO
NOT too long ago, UST Tiger Cub Alfred Loreto laid on an operating table as he had to undergo surgery to take out a tumor to treat a disease called pituitary macroadenoma.
A little over two months later, he’s already back on the hardcourt playing for the newly crowned UAAP Season 87 boys basketball champion UST in the 2025 Smart-NBTC National Finals.
READ: Tiger Cubs dedicate UAAP Season 87 to teammate set for brain surgery
“Maximum po is three months po talaga pero pinayagan na po ako ng doctor ko na maglaro basta alalay lang po,” Loreto said when asked if he’s truly cleared and ready to get back on the floor.
“Ako po pag-iigihan ko po na makatulong na makabawi po sa team,” he added, eager to help out his squad after missing action in UST’s title run in the UAAP.
In his two games back for the Tiger Cubs, Loreto has seen limited minutes, playing less than seven minutes in his first game back, before seeing more action in his second game, scoring four points, while getting a steal and a block in nearly 11 minutes of action for the Tiger Cubs.
UST head coach Manu Inigo, though, knows that it’s gonna take some time for Loreto to truly get his footing back – and when he does, fans are out for a surprise.
“Wala pa syang two days nakaka-practice pero be patient maraming magugulat kay Alfred.”
While recovering from such injury is tough, Loreto gets by with an ample support system within the team, from his coaches to his teammates.
“Pinalakas po nila loob ko,” Loreto said.
“Be patient lang din po kasi darating din po yung time na makakapaglaro na ako.”
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