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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Kean Baclaan reveals he almost quit basketball after MCL injury

Kean Baclaan reveals he almost quit basketball after MCL injury

Published Dec 4, 2025 03:05 pm

At A Glance

  • "Siyempre tatay na ako eh. Right after ng injury ko, 'yong feeling ko ayaw ko na mag-basketball eh, sabi ko 'ayoko na, ayoko na'," said Baclaan after the Green Archers' 87-77 semifinal win over the National University Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, Dec. 3.
La Salle's Kean Baclaan finds ways to rise above adversity. (UAAP Media)
La Salle's Kean Baclaan finds ways to rise above adversity. (UAAP Media)
De La Salle University guard Kean Baclaan knew he had to be mentally tough after tearing his MCL a few months ago.
The injury weighed heavily on his well-being, and the 22-year-old player confessed the ordeal nearly convinced him to walk away from basketball.
“Siyempre tatay na ako eh. Right after ng injury ko, ‘yong feeling ko ayaw ko na mag-basketball eh, sabi ko ‘ayoko na, ayoko na’,” said Baclaan after the Green Archers’ 87-77 semifinal win over the National University Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, Dec. 3.
“Isang week ako doon sa province namin, lagi lang tumatawag si coach Topex… kasi ‘di niya alam ‘yong gagawin ko, parang sobrang nagkaka-anxiety ako, ‘di ko rin alam ‘yong gagawin ko,” he added. “Actually ‘di ako nagte-therapy ng first two weeks, kasi iyak lang ako nang iyak."
According to Baclaan, he declined undergoing a surgery and opted for rehab. It worked well.
In his first game since Oct. 15, the Muntinlupa City native played for almost 20 minutes where he produced a decent output of six points, one rebound, and two assists against his former school.
The cat-quick playmaker likewise consulted his teammates, trainers, and coaches on how to cope up with injuries.
“Sabi ko nga kay coach [Topex], kung gagamitin mo ko ready ako. Syempre nag-ask ako sa mga nagka-injury din, sabi ko sa kanila ano bang nararamdaman nyo? Sabi nila ‘It’s all on mind, sa mind lang ‘yon, kasi kung di kaya ng mind mo walang mangyayari,” Baclaan continued.
“Ang sabi ko lang kung anong ibigay sakin ‘yon ‘yong gagawin ko. Nakikinig lang ako sa mga PTs namin and sa mga coaches,” he added.
But throughout his road to recovery, it was Baclaan’s faith that stood out.
“No. 1 talaga kay God, kasi ‘di mo alam kung kailan ka nya tapikin eh, lagi lang akong naniniwala sa kanya, and good thing naman, hindi nya ako pinapabayaan,” said Baclaan.
With renewed confidence, Baclaan and the rest of La Salle hope to claim a finals ticket when they meet NU one last time on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Related Tags

Kean Baclaan La Salle Green Archers NU Bulldogs UAAP Season 88
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