Injured Jerom Lastimosa’s season is over, dealing a major blow to Adamson University’s campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
The 24-year-old guard suffered a dislocated right foot last 2 November in a blowout loss to Final Four-bound University of the Philippines.
He already missed two games including the Falcons’ 78-81 defeat to De La Salle University on Thursday that them down to a 4-6 win-loss record with just four games remaining in their eliminations campaign.
“I think I won’t make it,” Lastimosa said, adding that it will take a minimum of two weeks to heal and more time to fully recover.
Lastimosa hurt his foot after landing on JD Cagulangan foot after an acrobatic shot with 5:32 remaining in the game that the Maroons won by a mile, 91-70.
“There’s a tear and a bone bruise. I’ll undergo PRP (platelet-rich plasma) tomorrow. It’s just unfortunate,” Lastimosa said.
Without Lastimosa, the Falcons would be missing a lot of firepower.
He has been shouldering the point production for Adamson this season with averages of 17.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
For now, what Falcons head coach Nash Racela could do is push the pieces he has to carry on with their goal of reaching the Final Four.
“Actually, we just have to focus on the right things, the things we can control,” he said.
“That’s something we’ve been reminding the players.”
“What are the things that we still have control over? The games that are coming, our Final Four fate,” Racela added.
“The injuries, that’s beyond our control. That’s the mindset we have.”
Adamson’s remaining games are against University of the East on Sunday, Far Eastern University on 23 November, National University on 26 November before closing the eliminations on 30 November against Ateneo.
“I’m happy to see my teammates stepping up. Hopefully, in case I don’t make it this season, they’ll continue doing what they do for Adamson,” Lastimosa, who still has one year of eligibility left, said.
