Blackwater guard Paul Desiderio. INQUIRER PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater guard Paul Desiderio is expected to be out for a year due to an ACL tear in his left knee.
Desiderio sustained the injury during the Bossing’s tuneup game against the TNT Tropang Giga on Saturday.
“My worst fear has come true: Today, I was told I tore my ACL and would have to undergo operation next week. This means I would need to leave basketball for a year,” Desiderio said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Basketball has always been a huge part of me and taking this break was unexpected as it is painful to share with everyone.”
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The 25-year-old Desiderio was a key rotation piece for Blackwater last season.
Before the injury, Desiderio was primed to have an even bigger role for the Bossing in the upcoming PBA Season 47, which tips off on Sunday.
Despite the setback, the former University of the Philippines standout vowed to come back better than ever.
“To my family, thank you for always being my rock. To my children Paula and Andres, you will be my inspiration while I strive to become a better version of myself. To my friends, your support has always been invaluable,” he said.
“To those who have watched me from a struggling rookie at the UAAP, to where I am now at Blackwater, to my fans: This experience has humbled me and will keep me grounded as I promise to use this time to get better every day and come back stronger.”
Blackwater, which only won one game last season, opens its campaign in the 2022-23 Philippine Cup against TNT on June 9.