NLEX shooting guard Kevin Alas is taking a wiser approach dealing with a second ACL injury that has put his young and promising PBA career on hold.
“I need to be wiser now because my career is at stake,” said the 27-year-old during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel in Manila.
“It’s really more of an emotional and psychological battle.”
Alas worked hard on his rehabilitation and returned to action nine months after. But five games into the elimination round of the Philippine Cup, he suffered the same injury on the same knee on Feb. 2 at the same venue, the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“This time, I don’t want to rush things. I will be more patient with my progress,” said Alas, added Alas, who suffered an ACL injury on his right knee on March 18 last year and underwent surgery five days after.
“That makes it really frustrating because I know I can help the team.”
If things go well, Alas expects to rejoin team practices by September, and then wait for the go-signal from noted topnotch sports surgeon Dr. George Canlas when to return to actual competition.
“I really look forward to returning, maybe in time for the Governors’ Cup. But I will not rush things. And when I return, I will not put too much pressure on myself,” he said in the forum presented by San Miguel Beer, Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
“I will not pressure myself putting up the numbers and being as good. I’ve learned my lesson. When I return, I will just be thankful. That will be my mindset.”
