Bacoor Strikers’ center undergoes face, nose surgery

KING Destacamento, the 22-year-old homegrown center of the Bacoor Strikers, successfully underwent surgery on his fractured face and nose he received from a wayward elbow of Denmar Mahaling of the General Santos Warriors.

At around 8 p.m. on Sunday, the promising 6-foot-4 frontliner who became a revelation in the Strikers’ two-game sweep of their southern swing MPBL playoffs series against the Warriors, underwent successful operation.

Team executive Dennis Abella wrote to BusinessWorld that they are considering to provide Destacamento a protective mask if ever the young player decides to return to action.

“Most probably naka-mask

siya,” Abella wrote in an online interview.

Abella added that he was told by the doctor that Destacamento’s return depends on the healing process.

“It’s a good thing our next series will be in two weeks time. Hopefully, Destacamento has recovered a bit and be fit enough to play,” added Abella. “But the doctor’s recommendation is really a month’s time.”

Chaye Cabal-Revilla, wife of Bacoor Strikers co-owner Congressman Strike Revilla, was the one who facilitated Destacamento’s hospitalization at Asian Hospital in Alabang.

“We sought second opinion as King complained of headache and difficulty in breathing,” said Ms. Revilla. “He is advised to rest for a month, but the good thing about King is his youth and the doctor said his recovery might be even faster.”

Destacamento was trying out his luck for a spot with the Laguna Heroes and nearly gave up his hopes continuing his basketball career until he was able to crack the line up of Bacoor where he was inserted as a homegrown player.

He had shown his potential the past few games, including the series clinching victory over Gen San where he ended up with 12 points, six rebounds and six blocks before he was taken out of the game after receiving an elbow from Mahaling while the latter was making a short stab.

Mahaling decided to embrace the role of an enforcer when he was seen kicking a fallen Mark Montuano during a loose ball scramble before Roger Malig-on came to the aid of his teammate and used his body as a shield.

Montuano, according to Abella, will also undergo CT scan as the player complained of headache. —