NCAA: Akhuetie’s shoulder injury ‘nothing serious’

Perpetual Help’s Bright Akhuetie hurt his shoulder late in the second quarter of the Altas’ lopsided win over the Lyceum Pirates Tuesday night. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER,net

Perpetual can breathe a sigh of relief.

Altas assistant coach Lester del Rosario said that Bright Akhuetie’s shoulder injury is nothing serious and that he’s recovering well.

“Ok naman sya. Maganda naman yung development ng treatment sa kanya,” he said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

(He’s OK. The development of the treatments on him has been good.)

The Nigerian big man missed Wednesday’s morning practice in hopes of accelerating the healing process with rest.

Just before halftime of the Altas’ game against Lyceum on Tuesday, Akhuetie’s left shoulder was inadvertently pulled by Pirates’ Jean Nguidjol on a rebound play.

The 19-year-old writhed in pain on the floor before being stretchered back to the team’s dugout.

He was able to return but watched his squad coast to a 70-42 victory from the bench as he iced his shoulder.

Akhuetie’s injury allowed fellow Nigerian Prince Eze to shine with a double-double of 18 points and 19 rebounds, with six blocks to compliment Earl Scottie Thompson’s triple-double of 13 markers, 12 boards, and 10 assists.

After the game, Akhuetie assured a handful of mediamen that he’s fine.

“It’s back,” pointing to his shoulder.

Del Rosario, though, said that Akhuetie’s status for Perpetual’s game against Arellano on Friday would be dependent on the teams’ needs.

“Baka mag-suit up sya pero pag kailangan lang. Mas kailangan nya ng pahinga para sa San Beda next week,” the deputy said.

(He might suit up if the team really needs him. We need him more for San Beda next week.)