La Salle guard Kean Baclaan returned after missing eight games due to an MCL injury as he underwent rehabilitation instead of surgery to get back into form.
Kean Baclaan is putting his health on the line as he continues to nurse an MCL injury despite making his comeback for No. 4 La Salle in its Final Four matchup against top-seeded National University in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Baclaan sustained the injury in the Green Archers' elimination round match versus University of the East last Oct. 15.
Desperate to return on the court to help his team, Baclaan bared that he did not undergo surgery for what could have been a potential season-ending injury.
Rather, he underwent rehabilitation and careful conditioning.
With DLSU's season on the line, he was able to contribute six points, two assists and one rebound as he played for almost 20 minutes against the twice-to-beat-armed NU.
The Green Archers eventually prevailed, 87-77, over the Bulldogs to force the decider Saturday, Dec. 6.
“Right after noong na-injury ako, 'yong findings kasi ay ooperahan ako," said Baclaan.
"Nagpa-second opinion kami… MCL nga daw, magpapa-therapy lang. Nagsasabi lang ako kay coach kung anong nangyayari. Sabi niya, 'Maniwala ka lang. Noong bumalik ako para mag-therapy, sabi ng doctor, medyo nagiging OK na ako. Sabi ko, 'Baka kaya pang makabalik.' Sabi nila sa'kin, 'Bumalik ka. Baka kaya.' So nagpursigi ako."
Baclaan admitted that it was a tough battle, but being able to stay with his teammates throughout his ordeal was enough reason for the veteran guard to come back.
“Nag-stay ulit ako sa La Salle. Kasi umuwi ako sa amin. Nag-stay ulit ako sa La Salle para magpa-therapy, makasama sa kanila every practice namin,” Baclaan said.
“Hopefully, mas maging maayos sa mga [next] games.”
Baclaan leaves situation up to God
As he gambles with his fitness in the remaining games for La Salle, Baclaan has left it all up to his faith while doing what he can to fully recover.
“For me talaga, number one na iniisip ko lang, si God lang talaga. Kasi sabi ko, Siya lang 'yong makatutulong sa sitwasyon ko ngayon. Siyempre, gusto ko ring maging healthy until ma-reach namin 'yong finals,” he said.
With La Salle struggling all season due to injuries, Baclaan felt compelled to take the risk and get himself going to alleviate some of the burden placed on the shoulders of the remaining players, especially his fellow point guard Jacob Cortez.
“'Masaya ako kasi nakatulong ako sa team ngayon and siyempre, nababawasan din 'yung [inaasa] kay Jacob. At least, kahit papaano, nakatutulong ako sa team,” Baclaan said.
“Pero sobrang saya ko lang dahil nakalaro ulit ako kasi ito 'yong talagang pinapangarap ko since noong bata ako. Hindi pa tapos. May game pa kami against sa kanila sa Saturday. So ready lang ulit,” he added.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter 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.