Arellano’s worst fear just came true.
Justin Arana has been diagnosed with a partial acute anterior cruciate ligament tear with anterior horn lateral meniscal tear.
This was the result of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done on him at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Sunday evening.
With this, Arana will miss out on the rest of the Chief’s campaign for the ongoing NCAA Season 97 Seniors Basketball Tournament — his final tour of duty in the collegiate ranks.
The good thing about it is that the recovery time for this type of injury only takes three months.
Yes, he can still throw his name to the PBA Season 47 Rookie Draft.
The injury to the 6-foot-6 big man out of Camarines Norte occurred during Arellano’s opening day tussle against San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
With one minute and 49 seconds left in the game, Arana secured a rebound but his right knee buckled. The 23-year-old was stretchered out of the game.
(C) NCAA/GMA Photos
Arana played a total of 35 minutes and 31 seconds in the contest, producing 16 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
(C) NCAA/GMA Photos
Arellano won the game, 65-63.
“Medyo pagod na siya eh. Bumigay na yung calf niya kasi whole game siya naglalaro eh,” said Chief head coach Cholo Martin about the injury.
Martin also bared that the Chiefs did not have any tune-up games prior to the competition.
