PH big man Nzeusseus injures left hand, sits out 2021 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters
Cameroonian behemoth Mike Nzeusseus covered had his left hand covered due to an apparent injury. | Photo from Manila Chooks TM
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Manila Chooks TM suffered a huge black eye even before they hit the court for the 2021 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters after Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseus was ruled out of the tilt due to an apparent injury.
This after the 6-foot-6 Nzeusseus suffered a minor left-hand fracture that he sustained during their semifinal game versus the ARQ Builders Cebu in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 Invitational in Pampanga last October 20.
Upon assessment during their training at the Kasr Al Amwaj gym on Thursday, Nzeusseus’s injury hasn’t been healed fully, forcing him to withdraw from the team’s roster.
Fortunately, veteran Mark Yee who is a reserve for the squad was available and was immediately activated by head coach Aldin Ayo to replace Nzeusseus.
Yee will complete Manila Chooks TM’s line-up comprised of Cebuanos in Mac Tallo and Zach Huang along with veteran cager Chico Lañete.
“Of course, Mike (Nzeusseus) is a big loss for our team but it’s the situation dealt to us,” said Ayo.
“But Mark (Yee) is ready since he has been training with us along with Dennis (Santos), Jayvee (Marcelino), and (Ralph) Tansingco.”
“So today, we gave one last run-through of our system since this is the first time Mac, Chico, Zach, and Mark will be playing together,” he continued.
For Nzeusseus, it was a huge disappointment as his injury spoiled his international stint.
“I’m really disappointed since I have been really looking for this moment for two years now during the pandemic what I was doing was picturing me playing one day and I was picturing playing for Chooks-to-Go one day,” said Nzeusseu.
“I tried but I could not give my 100-percent if I played with this injury.”
The team’s first match under Pool D will be against world No. 4 Liman of Serbia at 10:20 PM (Manila Time) tomorrow, Friday, October 30, 2021.
Despite the setback, Ayo is optimistic that his team remains focused on their goal to advance to the knockout stage in the tournament.
“Of course, the goal is still to make the playoffs. If we stick to the system, we can upset Liman or Amsterdam,” said Ayo. /rcg
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