The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs will kick off their UAAP Season 87 Boys Basketball Tournament campaign today at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan without key player Alfred Loreto.
Assistant team manager Kristina Maralit revealed that Loreto has been diagnosed with Pituitary Macroadenoma, a type of brain tumor, sidelining him indefinitely.
“Naka-experience siya ng pain and vomiting a few days ago. He was brought sa ER. Dun na-diagnose,” Maralit said in a message to Fastbreak. “He will have surgery (this morning) to remove (the brain tumor).”
Maralit expressed relief that Loreto’s condition was identified early, noting that the tumor is described as being “smaller than a grape.”
“Ang good news is the tumor is smaller than a grape and will be removed through his nose. Hindi na bibiyakin ulo niya,” Maralit said. “If all goes well in his recovery, there’s a good chance makabalik siya sa paglalaro sooner than later.”
UST head coach Manu Iñigo, meanwhile, stated that the team will dedicate the entire season to the 6-foot-7 Loreto.
“We are dedicating this season to Alfred. We’re playing for him, especially during this difficult time. His injury is a big loss for us, especially since he was stepping in for Koji (Buenaflor) and Racine (Kane). This will inspire us,” Inigo said in a statement.
The post UST Tiger Cubs center Alfred Loreto out indefinitely due to brain tumor first appeared on Fastbreak.
0 comments: