Definitely not a good way for versatile big man Russel Escoto to end the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup.
Ever since his heydays with Far Eastern University and even during his various stints with the National Team, versatile big man Russel Escoto’s young career has already been hounded with injuries.
A torn ACL in the left knee in 2013. A shoulder injury the year after. Then another shoulder injury just last 2016. These were Escoto’s injuries before — injuries that he all overcame.
The Kapampangan forward, prior to going pro, has been healthy for months. But just this January, Escoto is feared to be sidelined for an indefinite amount of time once more.
In Mahindra’s match against NLEX last January 27, Escoto rose up for a rebound against NLEX’s Fonzo Gotladera, but fell badly as his left knee buckled, sending him down to the floor with 23.1 seconds left in the first half.
It was an untimely injury for Escoto, who, prior to the mishap, was getting his groove on with 12 markers just in the opening half alone. He was already on pace to top his career-high of 16 points, had the injury did not take place.
Now, less than a week after the unfortunate sighting, a diagnosis has been laid out coming from Escoto himself and from Mahindra’s sports rehabilitation specialist Iby Bautista.
Escoto’s left knee injury stems from a sprained medial collateral ligament or MCL, debunking initial reports that he injured his ACL.
“Sabi ng doktor, yung MCL yung naano ngayon,” the 24-year-old told Tiebreaker Times. “After 3 weeks, iche-check ulit ako tapos ie-MRI ulit ako.”
“Tapos after [nung] 3 weeks [na yun], doon pa lang makikita yung ibang ano kasi may fluid pa sa loob. Nag-tubig pero konting-konti lang,” furthered the Gilas cadet.
“We’re just waiting for the inflammation to go down, and then we’ll have him undergo a second MRI. Definitely, it’s on his MCL,” said Bautista.
A knee ligament injury is something that strikes fear into the hearts of those injured, as it can derail — or possibly end — an athlete’s career. But for the one-time UAAP gold medalist, who has braved injuries before, it is nothing to worry about — for now.
“‘[After nung injury ko] Kinaumagahan naglalakad na ‘ko eh,” added the 6-foot-6 stretch big man, who averaged 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in his first PBA conference.
“Gagaling pa yan, nakakapaglakad naman na ‘ko.”
When asked if he is disappointed with yet another injury this early in his pro career, the ever-cheerful Escoto remains positive that he can overcome this setback once more.
“Hindi [ako inis]. Positive lang,” said Escoto.
