San Juan guard and PBA Draft prospect Terrence Fortea has been diagnosed with a patellar rupture, dealing a significant blow to the Knights’ title hopes in the 2026 MPBL season.
The diagnosis came a day after San Juan escaped Caloocan, 82-78, in overtime to take Game 1 of their North Division semifinals series on Wednesday.
San Juan head coach Alex Angeles confirmed the injury to Tiebreaker Times on Thursday.
Fortea suffered the injury with 36.9 seconds left in regulation.
After receiving the ball at the left elbow, Fortea drove toward the basket and attempted a pull-up shot against Kean Baclaan.
However, he failed to get proper lift, twisting in midair before crashing onto the hardwood.
Fortea was stretchered off the court, with Baclaan staying by his side to console him.
A patellar rupture can require at least six months of recovery, with a full return to form potentially taking up to a year.
The injury is also a major setback for Fortea, who is being eyed as a prospect in the upcoming 2027 PBA Draft.
San Juan’s backcourt depth will be further tested as the Knights prepare to face defending champion Abra Solid North in the North Division Finals.
The Knights had already lost Mike Phillips and Gerry Abadiano midway through the season after both players signed with overseas clubs.
Fortea, a six-foot-one guard from the University of the Philippines, averaged 7.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 31 games for San Juan.
He had been gaining momentum over the Knights’ last 11 games, scoring in double figures in five of those outings, including an 11-point performance in Game 1 of the division semifinals.
With Fortea sidelined, San Juan will need Harold Alarcon and Reyland Torres to step up and help keep the Knights’ championship aspirations alive.
