INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Phlippines - A lingering illness has sidelined a young La Salle cager even before the start of the UAAP season.

LA Revilla, the Green Archers’ flashy sophomore guard, is out of the men’s basketball competition following a recent diagnosis of diabetes and hyperthyroidism coupled with a bout with dengue.

“My doctor didn’t allow me to play and do any strenuous activities because any time I might collapse,” Revilla told the Inquirer.

“I tried to bargain with the doctor. At first they said I might miss a few games and maybe in a month I’ll be OK. But they told me just last Monday that I’ll be out for the rest of the season.”

The 19-year-old Revilla, who played quality minutes in his rookie season as a backup point guard, lost almost 30 pounds in the last three months.

“I’m now taking medication,” he said. “I inject myself with insulin every day. Every pre-meal, I check my blood. I’m taking medication for my thyroid. I also have a special diet.”

Revilla, named in the All-Rookie Team last year, admits that a year off the hardcourt may lead to a dip in his performance.

“Of course I’m worried,” the 5-foot-7 cager said. “I can’t join our practice. I can’t do weights. But I’m going to ask my doctors if I can go swimming, so at least I can have some form of exercise.”

Despite his illness, Revilla said he makes sure to keep the La Salle game in his system.

“I watch the team’s practice, I still attend team functions and I still try to do my normal activities,” he said. “I’ve accepted it. I’m a strong believer that God has a plan and a purpose.”

Revilla said he intends to watch the Green Archers’ games, including their opener against the University of the East Warriors on July 11 at 4 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers will also miss the 6-foot-6 Marko Batricevic due to a leg injury. Last season, the Serbian center played only five games due to a recurring injury on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

But the Warriors will also play minus the veteran James Martinez, the starting point guard who also sustained an ACL injury during a preseason game last month.

Before the La Salle-UE showdown, Season 72 officially kicks off with a 1 p.m. opening ceremony, followed by the 2 p.m. match between University of Santo Tomas and Adamson.

Ateneo takes on Far Eastern University in the 4 p.m. main game the next day also at the Big Dome, right after the 2 p.m. duel between the University of the Philippines and National University.