De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde big man Will Gozum came to the defense of his former Batang Gilas teammate and current Colegio de San Juan de Letran team captain Fran Yu, whose actions a week ago forced him to abruptly end his collegiate career.
Yu was caught throwing an elbow at Gozum's teammate Mark Sangco with 5:29 left in the second period of Game 2 of their best-of-three finals series last December 11, which merited an ejection and an automatic suspension in the next game.
Letran tried to appeal Yu's case, but the league upheld its decision which made that game the last one for the graduating Yu.
But Gozum, who alongside Yu represented the country in various competitions during their youth, said the latter meant no harm as he was just defending himself during the heated game.
"Kay Kuya Fran, siguro dinefend niya lang 'yung sarili niya kasi championship eh, iba 'yung atmosphere," Gozum said.
"Talagang all out lahat eh so feel ko ayun lang 'yung ginawa ni kuya Fran. Feel ko para sa team 'yun."
Yu, who didn't speak on the matter pending the result of the appeal, will miss the all-important do-or-die Game 3 this Sunday where the Knights will shoot for a three-peat championship without their leader.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News