San Beda – Taytay’s Kirk Cañete, a 16-year-old guard, had a narrow escape from a freak accident that occurred during the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Tournament.
He had a fastbreak attempt in the game between San Beda and San Sebastian with only 22.7 seconds remaining in the second quarter. In mid-air, he was challenged by Stephen Jardinico, causing him to land badly on his head.
Blood was seen at the baseline where he fell, and he was carried off the court with a stretcher and a neck brace and rushed to the hospital.
Cañete is now doing well, according to the Red Cubs head coach, Miko Roldan.
Cañete’s parents, who flew all the way from Bukidnon after the incident, said that their son’s second CT scan did not show any brain swelling. They are hopeful that the hematoma will dissolve naturally as the days progress. “He’ll be staying in the hospital for observation until Monday,” read the post of Canete’s parents.
Cañete’s parents also expressed their gratitude to the San Beda community for their support, and Canete himself expressed his gratitude to the community for praying for his recovery. He also thanked the University for ensuring his safety after the incident.
“In spite of what happened, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to San Beda University, especially to the coaches for taking care of me and ensuring my welfare. You are indeed a second father to me,” he said.
Jardinico and his parents reached out to Cañete immediately after the incident. Both Cañete and Jardinico were teammates back in Bukidnon Faith Christian School before they went to Manila to play for their respective schools.
“Ah opo, [nag-sorry] pati yung parents niya po, teammate ko po siya dati sa school namin sa probinsya po,” said the Grade 11 guard.
“Humingi po sila pasensya at di naman po inaasahan yung nangyari.”
Now that Cañete is on his way to recovery, he asks everyone to pray for his speedy recovery so that he can dribble the balls inside the court again.
