At A Glance
- Kean Baclaan waited for a year before he could finally suit up for De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament, only to see his much anticipated return cut short due to injury,
(UAAP Media)
Kean Baclaan waited for a year before he could finally suit up for De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, only to see his much anticipated return cut short due to injury,
The 21-year-old guard disclosed that he will be sidelined for the rest of the season after sustaining a right medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, which was later confirmed by La Salle assistant coach Caloy Garcia to Manila Bulletin Thursday, Oct. 16.
“This is what I prepared and worked hard for the whole year, and now it’s suddenly gone just like that. I just want to say that I’m out for the entire season, and this isn’t what I wanted or expected to happen,” Baclaan wrote.
“I cried so much last night and felt really down about my situation, but I just kept thinking about my future for my family and my career,” he added.
The incident occurred during the payoff period of La Salle’s 111-110 overtime escape over University of the East last Wednesday night, Oct. 15, at Mall of Asia Arena.
During a battle for the loose ball, UE’s Wello Lingolingo fell directly on Baclaan’s right knee at the 4:20 mark of the payoff period. The officials slapped Lingolingo with an unsportsmanlike foul (category 2) which automatically ejected him from the game after receiving a technical foul earlier.
Baclaan’s MCL tear added to La Salle's injury woes, as Mason Amos continues to nurse the same injury that he sustained in their 82-78 defeat to National University last weekend.
However, the severity of Amos' condition was much lighter as he is expected to play anew in the second round.
Baclaan, a former NU Bulldog who transferred to the Taft-based squad two years ago, thanked the fans for their continued support and promised to come back stronger for his final year as a Green Archer.
“To the DLSU community and everyone who’s been worried about me, I truly appreciate all your care and concern. Thank you so much to everyone who messaged and called to check up on me,” Baclaan.
“Please don’t worry I’ll come back stronger and finish my last year at DLSU,” he concluded.
La Salle, without Amos and Baclaan, tries to improve its 3-3 card when it challenges reigning champion University of the Philippines (4-2) this Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.