Tag: hurt

RJ Abarrientos nursing hurt foot ahead of Jones Cup stint

On: By: admin


RJ Abarrientos during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—RJ Abarrientos may not quite be a hundred percent in Strong Group Athletics’ run in the upcoming William Jones Cup.

The Japan B.League Filipino import bared on Tuesday at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong that he’s been in pain after a freak injury that occurred during one of his home workouts in preparation for the looming tournament.

“I worked out in front of our house. Long story short, I stepped on broken glass while I was training and I even thought I tore my achilles. It was kind of scary,” said Abarrientos.

“When I saw that it was just a deep cut, I went to the ER and I got the results right away, they put five stitches on my foot and I even thought I was out.”

READ: RJ Abarrientos seeks improvement after first B.League season

Thankfully though, Abarrientos wasn’t ruled out like he expected to be.

After undergoing some minimal procedures, the Shinshu Brave Warrior was given the green light to start training with the squad under coaches Charles Tiu and Rajko Toroman.

However, Abarrientos was still imping from time to time during Tuesday’s scrimmages.

READ: RJ Abarrientos carries no pressure from KBL to B.League

Fortunately for him, the SGA’s coaching staff is taking it step-by-step for him to be completely ready for the Jones Cup.

“That’s the word. They’re not rushing me. They just want me to get my rhythm back,” Abarrientos said.

Whether Abarrientos recovers completely before the tournament or not, SGA will have quite the reinforcements with collegiate guards Titing Manalili from Letran and Tony Ynot from College of St. Benilde.

And Abarrientos is confident that the young guns in the backcourt will be of big help come tournament time.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

“I think the coaches have plans for Ynot and Titing that’s why they took them. Me, I’m a fan of them. I already saw their skills in the NCAA.”

Geo Chiu ‘hurt’ over Mason Amos’ sudden Ateneo departure

On: By: admin


Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin and the Blue Eagles led by Geo Chiu and Mason Amos in the UAAP Season 86 opener. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Count Geo Chiu among the guys who were affected by the news of Mason Amos’s sudden departure from the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

During Strong Group Athletics’ training for the William Jones Cup, Chiu bared that he was quite hurt by the news of Amos leaving the Blue Eagles after just one season in the UAAP and

“Just like what everyone feels right now, of course, it’s painful,” said Chiu, a former Ateneo big man, at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday. “It’s like a cut here [in the heart]. Me, I just try to be in the middle as much as possible.”

READ: Mason Amos leaves Ateneo amid reported La Salle transfer

Chiu and Amos played together during Season 86 when the Blue Eagles finished with a Final Four spot before tumbling at the hands of the University of the Philippines in the semifinals.

After last year though, Chiu decided to forgo his playing years in Ateneo and turned professional in Taiwan with the Mustangs then most recently signing with Ehime in B2 of the Japanese B.League a few days ago.

Geo Chiu Strong Group Athletics Ateneo

Geo Chiu during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

Without Chiu, Amos was expected to be the Blue Eagles’ next big thing. Until he wasn’t, as Amos departed Ateneo on Monday in a stunning announcement and is reported to be moving to archrival La Salle.

READ: UAAP: Mason Amos showing steady improvement for Ateneo

Chiu, though said, he chose to understand the situation and Amos’ decision-making but couldn’t deny the disappointment as his older brother in the team.

“I get the other side but I’m also trying to understand Mason. There’s so many things going on right now for him but as a Kuya, I’m still worried for him and everything he’s been going through.”

“But it still hurts. ‘Di ko inexpect eh.”



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Amos is currently in Riga, Latvia, for Gilas Pilipinas’ run in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament while Chiu will also represent the Philippines in a few days with SGA in the Jones Cup.

Inquirer Sports has reached out to La Salle coach Topex Robinson for a comment on whether Amos is headed to Taft or not but there was no response as of writing.