FILE – Will Gozum. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Will Gozum, the College of St. Benilde standout and NCAA Season 98 MVP, will be out of action for the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL after suffering a hand injury.
Gozum sustained a fractured left ring finger during training.
“I got the fracture on my fourth finger’s metacarpal in my left hand when I bumped into one of my teammates during our training,” Gozum bared recently.
“The doctor said it’ll take two months to heal but I’ll maximize that time and try to recover after two or two and a half months more to recover better.”
Gozum signed with the Huskers in February this year and had an impressive debut with 16 points and nine rebounds in their victory over the Bicol Volcanoes, 96-74, two months ago.
Gozum averaged 10 points and 7.5 rebounds in four games prior to the injury.
Despite the numbers, though, Gozum believes he is still in the adjustment period of playing in the MPBL.
“Right now, I’m still adjusting because of course, it’s a different system. I appreciate being able to play in different systems because it gives me growth as a player and it will help me in my career,” told the big man.
“For now, I’m adjusting and I’m thankful for the MPBL and especially CSB for allowing me to play there,” he added.
Gozum still has a year of eligibility left with Benilde but played coy when asked about his status with the Blazers for Season 99.
He had a breakout season under coach Charles Tiu last year, bagging the MVP award after averaging 16.9 points and 9.6 boards per game to power the Blazers to their first Finals appearance since 2002.