Kenshin Padrones is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday after sustaining multiple fractures in his left cheek on October 7.
During National University’s 78-60 loss to the University of the Philippines at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Malick Diouf, the Fighting Maroon big man, accidentally struck Padrones on the head.
He had been dunking the ball with a downward motion at the 7:30 mark of the third quarter, resulting in the facial injury.
Padrones, who watched his team beat De La Salle University in overtime, 80-77, from the sidelines on Sunday, revealed, “As of now, may schedule na ako for surgery on Tuesday. Multiple fractures yung nasa left cheek.”
Padrones had started in all three games he played, accumulating nine points, six rebounds, and three steals in a total of 36 minutes and five seconds of floor time.
Diouf had already reached out to Padrones to apologize for the incident that would keep the Bulldogs’ big man sidelined for an indefinite period.
According to head coach Jeff Napa, Padrones might make a return in the second round of games.
“Touched naman ako na nagsorry siya. Nangyari na kung ano yung nangyari. Focus na lang ako sa recovery ko,” said the injured second-year Bulldog.
Despite the setback, NU is off to a great start in its UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball campaign. The Bulldogs hold the solo second spot with a 4-1 record, just behind the unbeaten Fighting Maroons.
“Medyo nakakalungkot kasi sobrang tagal ng preparation namin for this season pero ayun nga, siguro may better plans si God. Move on na lang and focus on recovery.”
