DLSU guard Kean Baclaan is devastated after suffering an MCL injury that could potentially sideline him in UAAP Season 88, but the Green Archer is not holding any grudges against UE Red Warrior Wello Lingolingo.
There is no ill will towards UE's Wello Lingolingo as far as La Salle’s Kean Baclaan is concerned, despite sustaining a devastating injury that is expected to keep him off of the court possibly for the rest of UAAP Season 88.
Baclaan had the ball with 4:21 ticks left in regulation in La Salle’s first round encounter against UE at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, when Lingolingo dove for the ball, even as game officials already signaled for the jump ball.
This caused Lingolingo to fall on Baclaan’s legs, causing the injury.
[READ: La Salle’s Kean Baclaan vows to 'come back stronger' after UAAP season-ending injury]
“Hindi naman ako galit kay Wello. Magkakilala naman kami ni Wello at hindi naman siya dirty player,” Baclaan told reporters on Thursday after confirming the MCL injury.
“Ang akin lang is hinihintay ko lang din siya humingi ng pasensya, sadya man or hindi sinadya. Na-injury na kasi ako at malaki ang nawala sa akin. Ito pa naman 'yung pinaghandaan ko simula nung lumipat ako dito sa La Salle."
The UAAP has slapped a hefty penalty on Lingolingo — a three game suspension starting from their match against FEU on Sunday, October 19.
[RELATED: UAAP: UE’s Wello Lingolingo slapped with 3-game suspension on foul vs DLSU’s Kean Baclaan]
Baclaan’s injury added to the Green Archers' woes, who are currently 3-3 for the year after Mason Amos was also sidelined earlier this season.
Later during the day, Baclaan confirmed he spoke to Lingolingo. He appealed to the public to avoid attacking the UE Red Warrior.
"Please 'wag nyo [ibash] si Wello Lingolingo, sadya man or hinde, kasama talaga 'yan sa larangan ng ginagalawan namen," Baclaan posted on social media.
"Okay na kame at nakapag-usap na kame at nakahing na siya ng pasensya sa'kin."
Focus on recovery
Regardless of what had happened, Baclaan is now eager to move forward with recovery in mind.
With his fate up to doctors to decide with La Salle’s redemption bid in the balance following their injuries, Baclaan will be focusing on what he can control.
“Ang iniisip ko na lang ngayon ay recovery ko. Nagpapasalamat ako sa La Salle, sa mga coaches, sa mga teammates ko, at sa management kasi nandun talaga yung support nila sa akin ngayon,” he said.
“Kung hindi man ako makabalik this season, babawi ako next year para sa La Salle,” he added.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.