Mapua big man Warren Bonifacio.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Mapua forward Warren Bonifacio lamented not being able to play true to form in the Cardinals’ NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball Finals loss against San Beda.
Bonifacio, one of Mapua’s key cogs in its Finals run, revealed he played through an ankle injury from the second round of the elimination round up until Sunday’s season finale.
“Not everyone knows what’s going on behind the scenes. I have an injury in my right ankle. I took an MRI test late in the second round so I really had a hard time,” said the graduating Bonifacio in Filipino on Sunday after a 76-66 loss in Game 3.
“My ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament) and PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament) in my right ankle got torn so every training, game and especially in this series, my body wasn’t at a hundred percent but my heart to play for Mapua remained at a hundred percent,” added Bonifacio, who sustained the injury during practice.
Bonifacio finished with just four points and seven rebounds in his final game for the Cardinals, who blew a 1-0 series lead in the championship.
Bonifacio made the Mythical Team averaging 10.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, helping Mapua claim the top seed.
“I really want to win a championship for Mapua, not a lot knows that. I really had a hard time hanging with San Beda because I really felt it (injury).”
Bonifacio could join the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA after being taken in the fifth round by the franchise in last September’s draft once he completes his full recovery.
“Still no talk with coach Chito for now because I was focused on this series. Our last talk, he told me to focus on the NCAA championship before that (PBA).”