UE center Alex Diakhite taken to hospital after playing through illness

Alex Diakhite. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of the East started its campaign 0-2 in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament but it’s not the only problem the boys in red are experiencing.

Center Alex Diakhite has been in and out of the hospital since Sunday midnight due to suspected dengue, team consultant Lawrence Chongson said.

“At 12:15 am he was rushed to the emergency room because he was experiencing fever and was in a weakened state,” said Chongson in Filipino after the Red Warriors’ 81-65 loss to Far Eastern University at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s suspected dengue. He underwent blood tests but he still forced himself to play, but he is dehydrated after the game,” Chongson added of Diakhite, who was immediately rushed to University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center.

Chongson hopes Diakhite didn’t contract dengue since the Red Warriors severely need his presence in the paint since the team is already depleted after Kris Pagsanjan suffered a right ankle sprain in the third quarter against the Tamaraws.

Diakhite had 21 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists for the Red Warriors.

“Hopefully, it’s not dengue because if it is then he won’t be able to play on Wednesday,” said Chongson.