The Ateneo Blue Eagles have suffered a huge blow in the off-season
Incoming third year combo guard Adrian Wong tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on his left knee during one of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ practices in early February, according to a team official, who requested anonimity.
The 20-year-old Filipino-American will miss Ateneo’s pre-season calendar, which includes the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup, the MILCU Got Skills Challenge, and the Fr. Martin’s Cup, as full rehabilitation can take up to six to eight months.
Wong was instrumental in Ateneo’s silver finish during the 79th season of the UAAP.
The combo guard started 16 of Ateneo’s 18 games, averaging norms of 9.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists during the regular season while providing the intangibles during the playoffs – averaging 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during the playoffs.
Moreover, he was called Ateneo’s “one-man press break” by De La Salle University head coach Aldin Ayo, saying that his length at the point guard position had helped the Blue Eagles break his full-court press.
If Wong does not make it to the season, incoming junior Matt Nieto and former Xavier School standout Tyler Tio will carry the load of the team’s ball-handling duties.
Though the process of Wong’s recovery will be a grueling journey, the entire Blue Eagles staff are optimistic that the 6-foot-3 guard can make full recovery before the 80th Season of the UAAP begins.
