Jerom Lastimosa suffers full ACL tear

Adamson University star Jerom Lastimosa has been diagnosed with a full ACL tear and will undergo surgery and rehabilitation.

Lastimosa and Adamson representative to the UAAP Board of Managing Directors Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, confirmed the development on Sunday.

"I received the medical record last night confirming that Jerom ay may full tear ng ACL," Suan told members of the press on Sunday after Adamson's 63-54 win against Far Eastern University.

(I received the medical record last night confirming Jerom has full ACL tear.)

Lastimosa returned to play for Adamson in UAAP Season 86 last October 25 against University of the Philippines, but he was limited to just around eight minutes of play as he hit his knees with Gerry Abadiano and was eventually escorted back to the dugout.

For Lastimosa, however, he will just move on from the injury.

"Hindi naman nape-pressure kasi I think normal naman sa lahat ng athletes 'yung magkaroon ka ng ganitong injury, but sad to say ACL siya. So, move on, focus na lang muna sa next step kung paano ako makakabalik sa paglalaro ng basketball," he said.

(There's no pressure since I think this is normal for athletes to suffer this injury, sad to say it's ACL. So just move on, focus on the next step on how to return to basketball.)

Suan said they were aware of Lastimosa's partial tear in May, but made sure that he got the clearance to play before the game against UP.

"We put Jerom to play after much consideration and it has a clearance ng isang well-known doctor. That’s when we realized he can play after intensive rehab. In fact, naging very positive 'yung development prior nung game sa UP. Before the game nga, nagbuhat siya ng almost 200 pounds sa weights during that time," Suan said.

(We put Jerom to play after much consideration at it has clearance from a well-known doctor. That’s when we realized he can play after intensive rehab. In fact, his development was very positive even before the UP game. Before that, he lifted almost 200 pounds.)

Suan appreciated Lastimosa's decision to stay with the San Marcelino crew despite receiving offers to turn pro.

"Take note, gusto ko lang i-stress kay Jerom na when he opted to play for Adamson, isinantabi niya 'yung offer. The primary purpose is for him to finish his studies. That’s the main reason bakit sinantabi niya 'yung offer last year."

(Take note, I just want to stress that when Jerom opted to play for Adamson, he put aside the offer. The primary purpose is for him to finish his studies. That's the main reason why he put aside the offers.)

Lastimosa also confirmed that he will graduate on February with a degree in sports management.

His jersey number was retired by Adamson before UAAP Season 86 started.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News