Last October 10, 2017, Kent Salado went down with a season-ending injury.
The speedy guard partially tore his MCL, virtually costing the Arellano Chiefs their Final Four hopes.
Four months later, Salado completely tore his ACL on the same right knee. With it came the Chiefs’ NCAA Season 94 campaign.
“Sa akin, sobrang hirap eh.
“Kaya nga nagsipag lang ako. Ginawa ko yun motivation eh, na makabalik ako sa last year ko,” the native of Cagayan de Oro shared.
Unfortunately, though, his return didn’t quite go to plan.
Though Salado posted solid numbers of 14.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 assists per game, the wins could not come as the Chiefs suffered three straight defeats by an average of 8.3 points per contest.
“Lagi ko lang sinasabi sa teammates ko, naglalaro naman ako nang maayos eh. Sa akin lang kasi depensa lang tayo nang maayos kasi alam naman natin kung san tayo natatalo eh sa depensa,” said the 25-year-old.
“Kasi yung iskor, darating din naman eh. Pag nasa loob ka, alam mo yung role mo dyan.”
The Chiefs responded to their captain’s call on Friday afternoon against the EAC Generals. Though allowing 77 points, Arellano displayed crisp ball movement that led to 81 points.
Arellano finally broke through this season.
With one number one chalked up, Salado hopes that they can be consistent the rest of the way as this is their school’s first-ever hosting in the Grand Old League.
“Sobrang pressure nga eh. Kasi host kami ngayon, last year ko pa, tas kababalik ko lang,” admitted Salado.
“Pag dating sa game, laro lang ako di ko na iniisip yun para makabawi naman ako sa teammates ko at sa school namin.”
