Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa fears serious knee injury: ‘I’ve just got to pray’

Sports5 file/Paolo Papa

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel superstar Mark Caguioa knew right away that something was wrong when he hurt his knee in the second quarter against Petron Blaze on Thursday.

“It’s the same injury on my knee, but this one it’s on the right side dati kasi yung left. Depende kung saan na-stretch yung ligaments. Parehas lang syang masakit but it’s hard to explain,” Caguioa told InterAKTV.

“Right away I said, ‘Oh, man. Not again.’ I don’t know how many months I was out. Matagal siya before I got really better.

“Medyo meron pa ngang sakit yung left knee injury ko, now the right. Hindi pa gaanong healed yung isa.”

Caguioa suffered a medial collateral ligament on his left knee last conference, which kept him out of action for a big chunk of the Commissioner’s Cup. He thinks he suffered a similar injury — and fears it could be more serious.

“Tomorrow, I got to see Dr. (Raul) Canlas for the MRI. I already know it’s MCL, baka mayroon pa. I’m pretty sure. It’s the same feeling,” said Caguioa.

Caguioa still doesn’t know how long this latest injury will keep him out of action.

“You know what, I’ve just got to pray,” he said. “Hopefully, it will heal faster.”

With Caguioa out, the rest of the Gin Kings fought like wounded tigers, refusing to roll over despite Petron building a 25-point lead.

In the end, they lost the battle in the playoffs, but not the hearts of their unwavering supporters who cheered them on until the end.

Caguioa remained proud of the team despite the outcome.

“Games like this, mahirap tanggapin pero I’m happy that we fought to the end,” he said.

“Madaming fans dyan na umaasang mananalo kami. I don’t like losing by 20, 15. I would take those games, one point, two points, pero huwag tambakan. Some people saved money to watch this game and then we’re just gonna get blown out? No way.”