Ateneo de Cebu ace cager to miss NBTC National C’ships due to ACL tear
The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles will have to compete in the 2016 SM-National Basketball Training Center National High School Championship without their star guard Jed Colonia after he was diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear to his right knee.
Though he was in complete uniform in the deciding Game Three of the Cebu division 1 finals, which the Magis Eagles won over the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 66-61, to book their ticket to the national stage, Colonia did not see a single second of action. After the game, he told Cebu Daily News about the injury he suffered during Game Two, when he chased down and blocked UV guard Froiland Maglasang’s fastbreak layup and suffered a hard fall.
Not long after, Colonia’s worst fears were realized when he was diagnosed with a complete ACL tear and was immediately scheduled for surgery on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
Colonia, the two-time reigning MVP of the Cesafi juniors division, shared his frustrations with the recent development.
“I felt so devastated because I knew that we were having a tough series with UV plus all the upcoming tournaments and opportunities that I’ll miss like the CVIRAA tournament,” said the one-time Batang Gilas guard. “It was hard to watch the game knowing I couldn’t play and help my team,” added the 6-foot-1 playmaker.
In spite of his absence, the Magis Eagles were able to come roaring back from an 11-point deficit in Game Three and pull off the championship-winning victory. And Colonia said he couldn’t be any prouder of his teammates for their courageous showing in the pressure-packed match.
“I tip my hat off to my brothers for stepping up and rising to the occasion.”
For now, Colonia said he is focusing on completing every step of the rehabilitation session for him to be able to make it back in time for the Cesafi tournament later this year, where Ateneo de Cebu is gunning for a fifth straight title.
“I’ll be back for sure. For now, that’s the goal we have with my doctor, to be able to suit up for the Magis Eagles next season.”
The NBTC National High School Championships, which will feature the best high school teams in the country, will be held on March 13 to 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.