Mapua University head coach Randy Alcantara revealed that he underwent a major medical procedure several months ago that sidelined the veteran tactician for at least three months in the lead-up to NCAA Season 100.
Alcantara shared he had a cervical spine surgery in March from a medical condition he had already been feeling for a time. The Mapua coach said it worsened at the opening of the second round last season until their finals duel against San Beda University in December.
That prompted Alcantara to finally go under the knife, saying he was thinking long-term as the Cardinals eye for redemption in the centennial season.
"Naramdaman ko siya mga start ng second round last season, pero meron na talaga pero kumbaga lumala lang. Bawal talaga ng sobrang stress at puyat, eh siyempre sa trabaho namin kailangan maya’t maya mag-review eh," Alcantara told GMA News Online.
"Nu’ng time na ’yun, dalawa pa ‘yung hawak ko eh so at least nakapagpaalam muna ako kina Sen. Jinggoy at naka-leave ako sa San Juan and pinayagan naman nila ako."
Alcantara, however, said he has recovered now and is all ready to lead the Cardinals to the promised land.
"‘Yung cervical spine ko, ayon ‘yung nagpahirap sa akin during last season so kung mapapansin niyo no’n, tumataas lagi BP (blood pressure) ko no’n during the second round at nu’ng finals," he added.
"So ngayon, okay na naman at nakaraos ako. Tapos na ‘yung operation seven months ago, so hopefully, tuloy-tuloy na recovery ko. May mga nerves na talagang kailangan operahan."
With Alcantara regaining his full health now, the Cardinals have been unstoppable in the second round, winning six games in a row as they cruised to the Final Four and are in good position to book a twice-to-beat bonus.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
