NU big man Mo Diassana ruled out for the season after sustaining an injury against La Salle during the UAAP Season 87 opening weekend.
The NU Bulldogs’ bid in UAAP Season 87 hit a major snag on Saturday, as head coach Jeff Napa confirmed that foreign student athlete Mo Diassana will be out for the remainder of the season. He suffered an injury during their opener against the De La Salle Green Archers last weekend.
Diassana, who played four minutes against La Salle, exited the game just in the first quarter of NU’s heartbreak loss against the defending champions with an apparent left knee injury.
From the get-go, it didn’t look bright as Diassana struggled to get back to the bench, dragging his left foot while walking.
“Actually, definitely Mo is out for the season na. Hindi na namin iisipin na makakabalik siya. Basta kami, 'yun nga, 'yung 15 man strong, we will enjoy it, whoever na maiwan [na players]. Pero 'yun nga, naka-support pa rin kaming talaga kay Mo,” he said.
Diassana’s absence was felt by the Bulldogs early in their second game against the FEU Tamaraws, as Mo Konateh lead the Morayta squad to an early lead.
Despite being able to come back in the game, it was a little too difficult for comfort for Napa and his wards.
[ALSO READ: NU escapes FEU to barge into UAAP Season 87 win column]
But for the tactician, he was more concerned with Diassana’s personal career and lamented that he wasn’t able to realize his potential in his first year as a UAAP player.
“Whatever it is, siyempre kahit papano first game pa lang medyo na-ano siya, sayang 'yung opportunity to prove kung ano 'yung worth niya talaga sa UAAP.” said Napa.
“Pero still, positive pa rin naman kami kahit na wala kaming FSA.”
Having to power through the setback, Napa said that he’ll work his team to succeed even without the help of an FSA.
Understanding what is at stake, Napa reminded his players that basketball was never a one-man show.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, tatlong taon akong nasanay na All-Filipino, siguro I need to translate kung anuman 'yung mga natutunan ko, mga experiences ko na mag-All-Filipino para ma-emphasize sa kanila na sila-sila pa rin yun, limahan pa rin ang naglalaro sa court, there’s nothing wrong to compete kumbaga,” he said.
The road is only going to get tougher for the Bulldogs as they face last season’s runners-up next.
NU battles the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.