National University coach Jeff Napa confirmed that Malian student-athlete Mo Diassana is officially out for the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The 21-year-old, 6-foot-10 big man sustained the injury during a defensive play at the 5:57 mark of the opening period in NU’s 75-78 loss to De La Salle University last Sunday.
The devastating injury has ended Diassana’s season, and Napa confirmed there will be no chance for his return in NU’s upcoming games.
“Definitely, Mo is out for the season na,” said Napa. “Hindi na namin iniisip na makakabalik siya. Basta kami, yun nga, yung 15-man strong. We will enjoy it.
“Naka-support pa rin kami talaga kay Mo. Siyempre kahit papano, first game pa lang medyo na-ano siya eh. Sayang yung opportunity niya kung ano yung worth niya talaga sa UAAP.”
Despite the loss of their defensive anchor, Napa remains optimistic.
He emphasized that the team is capable of competing even without Diassana, having already gotten accustomed to playing with an all-Filipino lineup in the past.
“Still, positive pa rin naman kami. Kahit na wala kaming FSA, sabi ko nga sa kanila, tatlong taon akong nasanay na all-Filipino, para at least ma-emphasize sa kanila na sila-sila pa rin yun,” he stated.
Limahan pa rin yung naglalaro sa loob ng court, so there’s nothing wrong to compete kumbaga.”
Without Diassana, NU showed resilience in their next game, mounting a furious rally to overcome a 44-57 deficit against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
The Bulldogs executed a 15-0 run to escape with a hard-fought 62-60 victory on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, marking their first win of the season.
Although they started the game slowly, NU’s determination and hustle in every possession highlighted their potential – especially considering their current roster limitations.
For Napa, these challenges are simply part of the team’s growth.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre, yung learning namin dito, hindi kami pwede mag-start [ng] flat,” said the 42-year-old, three-time UAAP High School Boys’ Basketball champion coach.
“Yun nga yung sinasabi ko sa kanila, kailangan paglabas namin, yung effort nandun. We have to give our effort 110-percent to go all out.
“Alam niyo naman [that] we’re undermanned. Yung FSA namin is out. Yun nga yung ine-emphasize ko sa kanila na day in and day out, all-out kami kasi yung first quarter namin talaga we started flat. And then coming to the third quarter, we started flat again,” he added.
NU’s strong defensive effort, especially in the fourth quarter, was key to the victory. Despite the formidable reputation of FEU, Napa’s team relied on their own abilities to secure the win.
“At least, luckily, dun sa effort na ginawa, nag-exert ng effort ang mga bata coming into the fourth. We relied on our defense although alam namin FEU is FEU. We just relied on ourselves para, at least, makuha namin ‘tong panalo na ‘to.”
Next up for NU is a challenging matchup against one of the season’s top contenders, University of the Philippines.
The Fighting Maroons boast a formidable frontcourt with big men Quentin Millora-Brown, Gani Stevens, and Sean Alter.
However, Napa’s focus remains on ensuring his team avoids another slow start, rather than being intimidated by UP’s size.
“Hopefully coming to our next game, kasi mabigat ang kalaban namin – UP – hindi kami pwede maging flat ng ganito. Hopefully, masolusyonan namin tong masamang approach namin coming into the first quarter para di na maulit kung anuman sa remaining games namin.”
