Baclaan’s ‘miracle’ recovery fires up La Salle

De La Salle University guard Kean Baclaan would like to consider his quick recovery and return from a knee injury as a miracle.

Sustaining a right medial collateral ligament tear in the first round and initially considered out for the tournament, Baclaan made an inspiring comeback.

His presence fueled the Green Archers’ important 87-77 win over twice-to-beat National University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“For me, God is at the top of my mind. He knows the answer to my situation. Of course, I want to be healthy until we reach the finals,” said Baclaan, who scored six points on 1-of-4 field goal shooting in his first game since going down with an injury on 15 October.

“I’m happy I got to help the team today. It somehow eased the pressure on Jacob (Cortez). At least, I got to contribute for the team,” Baclaan said after ending a seven-game absence.

Baclaan hurt his knee after University of the East skipper Welo Lingolingo inadvertently landed on his leg while scrambling for a loose ball. The Green Archers escaped with an overtime win but paid a steep price.

The transferee from NU had penned an emotional farewell on his social media after tests revealed the extent of his injury. 

Baclaan found solace in his faith, and divine intervention happened.       

“Right after I got injured, the findings pointed towards undergoing an operation. We took a second opinion, and they saw that the swelling had subsided. It’s an MCL but would only require therapy,” he said.

“I relayed to Coach (Topex Robinson) my situation and he told me to ‘have faith.’ Then, when I returned for my therapy, the doctor told me that I’m recovering well. I thought maybe there’s still a chance for me to return,” Baclaan added.

He also credited his teammates for helping him believe in a chance for a comeback.