Belo out of Gilas roster for SEABA after revelation of meniscus tear

The Blackwater and Gilas wingman revealed that what he once thought was a mere iliotibial band syndrome is actually a meniscus tear on his right knee. (Photo: Mac Belo/ Facebook)

MANILA –Mac Belo first thought it is just a typical knee injury for athletes.

It is actually more painful than that.

The Blackwater and Gilas wingman revealed that what he once thought was a mere iliotibial band syndrome is actually a meniscus tear on his right knee.

“Nakaka-down kasi number one enemy ng players is yung injury talaga,” Belo said about how he felt after determining the actual extent of his knee injury.

On how he began to feel that the lingering pain on his knee is beyond the ITB syndrome, Belo shared, “Ngayong conference na nilaro namin, doon ko na naramdaman na nawawalan ng lakas, so nag-decide ako na ipa-MRI. Yun ang result na nakita ng MRI.”

Belo also said that recovery time will be from four to six weeks, which effectively makes him unavailable for the SEABA Men’s Championship on May 12-18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“Nakakapanghinayang, kasi kung ako ang masusunod, siyempre gusto ko pang maglaro,” he rued following the said development, which, following the earlier injury to Arth Dela Cruz, would mean Blackwater will be without a representative to Gilas’ SEABA bid.

Still, he will take the said injury on a positive note.

“Kailangan ko na lang tanggapin at gawing motivation na kailangang magpalakas talaga at mag-double effort sa strengthening,” Belo further said.

Should he recover on time, Belo will only become available on May 27, when Blackwater takes on Ginebra.