After missing three games due to a hamstring injury, the Star Hotshots’ diminutive yet athletic point guard Justin Melton finally returned to action on Saturday against the Blackwater Elite at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Honestly, I felt like I haven’t missed anything,” addressed the high-leaping 5-foot-9 guard, who even added 10 markers in his comeback, moments after the Hotshots’ 96-90 victory that halted their two-game slump.
“The training staff did a great job of keeping me in so much shape while I was injured, so I didn’t feel I missed a step.”
Melton had injured his right hamstring during their game against NLEX Road Warriors last March 31, forcing him to the sidelines for over two weeks. He was averaging 5.3 points in 20 minutes of action prior to the injury.
“It’s actually the tendon, which the doctors said […] takes [a] longer time to heal,” explained Melton while pointing to his right thigh.
But now, the 13th overall pick of the 2013 Draft is upbeat that his hamstring is doing just fine, and further rehabilitation sessions are coming up to fully heal and strengthen the said part.
“It felt good. My hamstring’s okay,” claimed the 30-year-old. “That’s why this week coming up is more of recovery for me. Rehab, still.
“I feel okay. Not a hundred yet, but I’m getting there.”