After a seven-game absence, JM Bravo returned just in time for Lyceum of the Philippines University.
Bravo was previously ruled out for the season due to his spine injury, but a second opinion from another doctor gave the Pirate another chance to play.
"Nagpa-xray ulit ako at CT scan. Sabi sa'kin ng doktor na clear naman ako. Namaga likod ko dahil sa pagod. Nung namanhid naman daw 'yung paa ko, dahil ata sa triggered dahil sa pagbagsak, parang tinamaan kidney ko," Bravo said about his injury.
The LPU veteran said he just needed to undergo rehabilitation for his previous spine injury before he was allowed to play.
In his return, Bravo had 10 points, eight rebounds, and an assist as LPU opened its second round campaign with a win against Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Still, Bravo said he is trying to get his groove back on the court as LPU hopes to make an impressive run in the second round after ending the first one with a 4-5 card.
"Nag-adjust ako sa timing sa loob ng court. Dapat makakabalik talaga ako agad. Nag-training ako, tapos humanap ako ng timing para makasabay sa teammates ko. Hindi naman puwedeng kasi babalik ka agad wala ka sa kondisyon, wala ka sa timing, ang hirap sumabay sa kanila kaya sabi ko kahit sa second round ako bumalik. Mas okay na sa akin, mahalaga makasabay ako sa team," he said.
"Nu'ng time na wala pa akong clearance, alam kong kaya ko naman pero 'di ko pinipilit sa sarili ko kasi siyempre baka mabigla rin ako. Nag-rehab pa lang ako," Bravo added.
Bravo is just thankful that he is able to play again.
"Thankful ako kay God kasi hineal niya likod ko and 'di niya ako pinabayaan sa struggles na pinagdadaanan ko nung time na nangyari 'yun," he said.
"Salamat sa teammates ko, sa coaches na magbibigay ng tiwala sa akin, nagpu-push sa akin, binibigyan ako ng motivation."
LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan, meanwhile, is also thankful that Bravo, along with Michael Versoza, are back for the Pirates.
"'Yung Bravo and Versoza namin can contribute on rebounding. Good thing nagpakita sila sa game namin ngayon," he said.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
