Ryan Araña apparently suffered a lower back injury after falling badly during the GlobalPort Batang Pier-Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 2018 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals match, Tuesday evening.
With about 35 seconds approaching the halftime break, the 35-year-old guard fell on his back — and suffered whiplash — as his foot tangled with former teammate Chris Tiu, whom Araña had tried to block as he went up for a lay-up.
“Actually sumabit ako sa paa ni Chris eh. Pag-layup niya kumbaga mas mataas ang talon ko sa kanya tapos sumabit ang paa ko sa paa niya so na-out of balance ako,” the 11-year league veteran recalled of the incident.
Araña had a brief moment on the ground before getting back on his feet. He first went to the Batang Pier bench before heading into the team’s locker room, where he stayed for the whole second half.
Araña left the match with just two rebounds. But his absence inspired his teammates, as GlobalPort came back from 16 down and blew RoS’ win-once incentive, 114-113, thanks to sophomore guard Jonathan Grey.
“Ngayon yung likod medyo tight ang muscle,” the 11-year veteran shared of his injury moments after the match. “Nag-contract siya, kumbaga parang pinrotektahan niya yung spine so medyo may pain especially kapag naglalakad.”
“Kapag itinatapak ko ang left foot ko, nandoon pa rin ang pain. Siguro assess muna natin, tingnan natin until hanggang bukas kung ano anng gagawin.”
But even if he had just incurred a painful injury, Araña is looking at the positive side of things.
“Good thing lang nauna ang likod ko, flat ang bagsak kasi mas delikado kunmg tumama ang tailbone eh,” said the De La Salle product.
“Blessing in disguise pa rin na yun ang nangyari sa akin, mas madali ang recovery.”
