Rhenz Abando suffers spinal fractures after bad fall in KBL game

Anyang’s Filipino import Rhenz Abando. –KBL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Anyang Filipino import Rhenz Abando suffered spinal fractures and a concussion after a bad fall off a collision with Goyang import  Chinanu Onuaku, who was fined three million won by the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

Korean sports website Jumpball reported that Abando sustained multiple injuries including a fracture on his third and fourth lumbar vertebrae,  a sprained wrist, and a concussion in Anyang’s 85-81 loss to Goyang Sono on Thursday.

The Gilas Pilipinas rising star is set to miss KBL’s All-Star Weekend–losing the opportunity to defend his crown in the Slam Dunk contest–as well as some games in the East Asia Super League. He will need to recover for at least four weeks.

Abando awkwardly fell midway through the second quarter after a collision with Onuaku in his attempt for a putback. He was stretchered off the court after his back and head hit the floor.

On Saturday, Jumpball reported that the KBL has fined Onuaku after the play was reviewed.

The league also warned referees Lee Seung-moo, Kim Baek-gyu, and Lee Ji-yeon, who ruled the Onuaku’s action as non-intentional contact during the game.

Abando is a big loss for Anyang, which had lost five straight games sliding to a 10-16 record. The high-flying winger averaged 9.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 25 minutes of playing time in 26 games.