Asia League: Bad luck hits iECO as Howell ‘doubtful’ for PH team’s next game

Richard Howell lies down on the floor and clutches his left knew. He slipped while going back down in defense and his left knee bore the brunt of the landing. #Terrific12 pic.twitter.com/KNhJtKgY6L

— Bong Lozada (@BongLozada92) September 18, 2018

MACAU—iECO’s is off to a miserable start in the Asia League The Terrific 12 here.

The Green Warriors not only bowed to Ryukyu badly, 103-75, but they also lost centerpiece big man Richard Howell due to injury.

Howell was trying to defend the Golden Kings’ transition offense when he slipped on a wet spot on the floor and landed awkwardly with his left knee bearing the brunt of the fall.

iECO head coach Ariel Vanguardia said they might play without their big man against Xinjiang on Thursday.

“I pray that he can play but judging from the injury, because it’s not just the ankle but it’s also the knee and he can’t put any weight his left foot,” said Vanguardia Tuesday at Studio City Events Center here in Macau.

“He’ll be doubtful for the next game.”

Howell, who won the Best Import award in the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, writhed in pain after his fall and was eventually stretchered out of the playing floor at the 6:26 mark of the first quarter.

Although he was able to rejoin his team’s bench late in the second half, all he did was give moral support while resting his left leg on a chair.

“I hope it’ nothing serious and this is a short tournament and he’s got a good career ahead of him and he’s going to play for Israel so I wish him all the best,” said Vanguardia of his 27-year-old import.

Howell, 27 and a naturalized citizen of Israel, has been playing in the Israeli Basketball Premier League from 2015 up to present time across three teams.

He was also able to debut for the country during EuroBasket 2017.

Vanguardia said Howell was rushed to Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital after the game.