Titan Ultra’s worst fears have come true.
Rookie guard Bryan Sajonia suffered a left ACL tear during the Giant Risers’ 144-113 loss to the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday evening at the Ynares Center, putting an abrupt end to what had been a promising debut campaign.
The MRI result came in Thursday morning, confirming the extent of the injury that initially left Titan Ultra fearing the worst.
Sajonia went down with 8:51 left in the third quarter, when he attempted to drive to the basket with San Miguel already ahead, 74-55.
The 26-year-old guard from San Beda could not get lift-off as his left knee buckled, immediately drawing the attention of Beermen veteran Chris Ross, who tended to the injured rookie before medical personnel arrived.
Sajonia had to be carried off the court on a stretcher and was subsequently brought to a hospital for further examination.
The 39th overall pick in the PBA Season 50 Draft, Sajonia emerged as the brightest spot in an otherwise disastrous campaign for the Giant Risers, averaging 11.56 points, 2.22 rebounds, and 2.22 assists in his rookie season.
His injury now leaves Titan Ultra without one of its most promising young pieces.
For athletes who undergo ACL reconstruction, recovery typically takes eight to 12 months. That timeline means Sajonia could face a lengthy rehabilitation process before he can return to action, although his exact timetable will depend on his progress.
