Paul Desiderio suffers torn ACL, expected to miss PBA season

Paul Desiderio is expected to sit out at least a year after he suffered from a torn ACL just before the 2022 Philippine Cup opens on June 5.

The 6-foot-1 Blackwater guard revealed in a Twitter post that his worst fear has come true and will undergo an operation soon as he eyes to come back stronger for the Bossing, who wrapped up the 2021 Governors' Cup dead last with a 1-10 card.

"My worst fear has come true: Today, I was told I tore my ACL and would have to undergo operation next week. This means I would need to leave basketball for a year," said Desiderio on Tuesday night.

"Basketball has always been a huge part of me and taking this break was unexpected as it is painful to share with everyone."

Desiderio averaged 7.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in the previous conference but the Bossing could only come up with one win over top seed Magnolia.

With the former UP standout set to miss basketball action for a year, he thanks his family and his supporters who continue to rally behind him in this difficult time.

"To my family, thank you for always being my rock. To my children Paula and Andres, you will be my inspiration while I strive to become a better version of myself. To my friends, your support has always been invaluable," he said.

He added: "To those who have watched me from a struggling rookie at the UAAP, to where I am now at Blackwater, to my fans: This experience has humbled me and will keep me grounded as I promise to use this time to get better every day and come back stronger."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News