RK Ilagan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Sebastian guard RK Ilagan returned from suspension on Tuesday, but his first game back didn’t turn out the way he wanted it to be.
Ilagan, who was suspended by the Stags after he was found playing in other leagues which is a violation of NCAA rules, struggled mightily in his return.
He finished with 13 points but went just 3-of-11 from the field and was a game-worst minus-33 as the Stags’ woes continued at the start of the second round.
“Nung pagpasok ko medyo naninibago pa ako. Masaya naman ako na nakabalik na ako pero kaya lang kinulang kami,” Ilagan said.
(When I entered the game I was still trying to get my rhythm back. I’m happy to be back but we fell short.)
Ilagan was suspended for the remainder of the first round, missing two games for San Sebastian while two of the Stags’ three wins where he appeared in were forfeited due to the incident.
The 21-year-old Ilagan said he immediately apologized to his coaches and teammates. He also used his suspension to be with his family before joining San Sebastian’s B-team to keep himself in shape.
“Kinausap ko sila at humingi ako ng pasensya. Sinabi ko rin na magtulungan na lang kami every game,” he said.
(I spoke to them and asked for their forgiveness. I also told them that we just need to help each other every game.)