After three weeks of rest, Migs Oczon returned to play for College of St. Benilde in the 2022 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
Last July 23, a highly-physical game occurred between Adamson University and CSB. Oczon suffered an injury when he attempted a corner triple. Joshua Barcelona lost control mid-air, landing on Oczon, who fell face first on the floor.
Oczon later underwent facial surgery.
The former National University Bulldog is still recovering from a nose reduction surgery.
“Fractured ‘yung sa bone pero ‘yung tip lang ‘yun.” revealed Oczon, pointing to his face. “Nose reduction lang. ‘Yung stitches po kasi may sugat ako dito.”
But head coach Charles Tiu wanted Oczon to recover fully before playing again. Oczon refused, though, since he wanted to help the Blazers even though it was still in the preseason.
Originally, the doctors advised Oczon to sit out the entire tournament.
“Medyo, I feel bad for him nga eh, na nasaktan pa siya sa injury niya. Tagal-tagal na niya nag-aantay para makalaro. He stayed with us in the bubble, nag-sacrifice din yan nung last season just waiting for his chance,” said Tiu.
“But ito, gusto ko siya ipagpahinga, pero ayaw na niya magpahinga. Gusto na maglaro, so he’s playing.”
Oczon felt happy when he came back to play alongside his teammates.
It showed during his return as the 22-year-old swingman tallied 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, an assist, and a block in their 100-70 rout of Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Despite still not being a hundred percent, Oczon will still follow the training that Tiu gives to the team. Moreover, he will continue to aid his teammates in their buildup to NCAA Season 98.
“Siyempre, sobrang happy ko kasi grabe po ‘yung hard work na nilaan ko sa po sa sport na ‘to, and… ‘Yung team naman is very caring talaga sila, feel mo talaga na di ka nila pababayaan. And ‘yun lang naman. I’m very happy,” the native of Davao City shared.
As a player who chose to help the team rather than watching them go through defeat, Tiu commended Oczon for his commitment and unending hard work.
“He’s the hardest worker on the team, so it’s nice to see him get some games and others as well,” the 32-year-old assistant coach of Meralco said.
