De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers head coach Charles Tiu has nothing but respect for Arellano University big man Justin Arana for playing through pain and returning a week after he was initially deemed out of NCAA Season 97.
Arana was diagnosed with a partial ACL tear in his right knee but after a second look, the 6-foot-7 bruiser was cleared of a major injury but will still need to undergo therapy for an ACL sprain.
Still, Arana came back during the Chiefs' 76-71 loss to CSB on Saturday where he tallied a huge double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. And for that, he earned the respect from Tiu and the whole CSB bench.
"I told them we really have to prepare hard because I told them straight that I think Justin Arana is the best big man in the NCAA right now," said Tiu, whose team improved to 1-2 after the latest win.
"We really had to prepare hard for him. We wanted to make him work as much as we can but we can't really stop a guy like that, he's really good."
Tiu added that while they are opponents, he's glad to see Arana back to play his final year for Arellano.
"So much respect for Justin. I don't even know why he's out there playing one week after a scary knee injury [but] I'm glad nothing worse happened."
Even Robi Nayve, whose hot hands steered the Blazers to their second straight victory, said he was surprised to see Arana back in the hardwood.
"It was surprising lang din for me since it was just a week ago nung na-injure si Justin. I don't know kung paano siya nakalaro ngayon pero hopefully maka-recover din siya," the star guard added.
—JMB, GMA News
