MANILA – Filipino cager Rhenz Abando, playing as an import for the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League, is in danger of facing lengthy absence due to an injury.
As per South Korean basketball blogger @baekpd1983, a Red Boosters medical staff informed him that Abando might be sidelined for the rest of the season if he chooses to undergo surgery.
Abando sustained fractures to his 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, a sprained wrist, and a concussion after Goyang Sono Skygunners’ import Chinanu Onuaku pushed him from behind while he was mid-air during their recent KBL game.
“The medical staff, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Rhenz Abando would be virtually out for the season if he underwent surgery,” wrote @baekpd1983. “He also said it will be months before his physical ability is fully restored.”
This development is a significant setback not only for the Red Boosters’ KBL title defense but also for Gilas Pilipinas’ upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament matches this year.
Red Boosters head coach Kim Sang-sik expressed displeasure with Onuaku for his unsportsmanlike action that resulted in the injury of this prized Asian Quota Player Abando.
“Abando is a member of our team and also a member of the Philippine national team. It makes no sense for him to injure his spine just from competing for a rebound with Onuaku,” Kim said in an interview with Jumpball.
“I am so upset that it has come to a point where he is in the general hospital. If he takes a break for 4 weeks, he will not be able to participate in the All-Star Game Dunk Contest or play in the EASL,” he added.
Despite KBL’s acknowledgment that Onuaku’s action was unsportsmanlike, the American import avoided suspension and was only fined three million won (P128,383.36) by the league.
Abando and the Red Boosters are currently at seventh place in the standings with a 10-18 win-loss slate. They suffered their seventh consecutive defeat at the expense of Wonju DB Promy on Sunday night./PN
