One of the brightest young prospects in Philippine basketball will have to take a break.
Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu big man Ramon Salvoro will not be playing competitive basketball for a while as tests are being done on him to see if he has Marfan syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that alters the proteins responsible for creating healthy connective tissue. As a result, individuals with Marfan syndrome experience difficulties in the development of connective tissue, which provides support to the bones, muscles, organs, and tissues throughout the body.
The 6-foot-8 center shared the sad development to Tiebreaker Times.
“Tinitignan pa nila if Marfan syndrome nga pero ngayon bawal pa ko mag-training, physical activities at lalo na yung basketball,” shared Salvoro, who is just 18 years old.
Salvoro was part of the Gilas Youth pool, along with Kobe Demisana, for the 2022 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship.
Though not making the team, he was also able to help the Magic Eagles win the CESAFI crown last year.
At first, no one was able to talk to Salvoro when he learned about the development, according to Sacred Heart guard Jared Bahay.
“Parang na-depress siya nung una pero nandito kami palagi para sa kanya. At yun, dahan-dahan sumigla na siya ulit,” shared the top-ranked high school player in the country.
“Siyempre, nalungkot ako kasi yung basketball, mahal ko itong sport na to,” added Salvoro, who is in Grade 12.
“Focus muna sa studies tapos as of now, gusto ko lang maka-graduate muna. “
Salvoro still made the trip with the Magis Eagles for the 2023 SMART National Basketball Training Center tournament.
And Salvoro is just grateful for the continuous support given to him and his family by the alumni association of Sacred Heart.
Also helping out Salvoro is sports patron Frank Lao.
“Sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa amin, nagpapasalamat ako lalo na sa parents. Siyempre, tiwala pa rin ako sa Diyos at sa mga plano niya sa akin.”
