UAAP: UE faces tough road ahead with injury woes

UE’s Devin Fikes holds his left knee during a game against UST in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of the East coach Jack Santiago bared Fil-American rookie Gjerard Wilson had already flown to the United States for a season-ending shoulder injury.

Wilson ended his UAAP Season 86 stint after five games due to a dislocated shoulder.

“Wilson just left last night [Friday]. Because we conducted a series of tests and had a second opinion. But all the doctors said he needs surgery. He left last night because the parents want him to do the surgery in America,” said Santiago in Filipino after an 86-73 win over University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Santiago, meanwhile, is hoping Devin Fikes did not suffer a serious knee injury. The Fil-Canadian big man got hurt in the third quarter against the Growling Tigers.

“With what happened to Devin Fikes, we don’t know his status yet. Hopefully, there is no major problem with his knee. Hopefully, it’s not that bad,” he added.

UE’s Gjerard Wilson.–UAAP PHOTO

Despite UE’s injury woes, Santiago said the Red Warriors have no conditioning problem, believing his wards are in good shape.

“I would say the boys are in good shape, but at the end of the day, you can’t tell when you will be hurt. We just pray that Devin is not that bad so he can still help us,” he said.

After ending a five-game skid, the Red Warriors focused on playing consistently for the remainder of the season as they try to rise from a 3-6 record and stay in Final Four contention.

UE will have a week to prepare before facing Far Eastern University on November 5 at MOA Arena.

“We cannot just take it easy against FEU. They’re playing very well. They are fast. So that’s why I’m thankful that we have one week of preparation. At least the boys can have their rest. Hopefully, we will match up the speed of FEU come Sunday,” Santiago said.