By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Adamson Soaring Falcons’ main gunner Jerom Lastimosa is expected to make his UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament debut in the second round of the preliminary phase.
Absent during the first several games due to a knee injury he suffered during their practice session, the savvy point guard is ready to boost the squad in the second round and will most likely finish the remainder of the season.
Adamson head coach Nash Racela shared that Lastimosa might be back practicing with the team next week and may rejoin the Soaring Falcons once the second round kicks off.
“Every day he does therapy like five times a week. I think by next week he’ll probably join us in practice with a calendar that he has, we’ll see,” said Racela.
During Adamson’s first five games, Lastimosa was sidelined and is still undergoing rehabilitation to gain his medical clearance for a full blast 5×5 on-court permission.
Without their superstar, the Soaring Falcons only won three out of their five games and will look to finish their remaining games on a high note to enter the UAAP Final Four.
Lastimosa was vital to Adamson’s campaign last season, averaging 15 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1 steal per game.
Despite his absence, the young bloods of the Soaring Falcons stepped up on his behalf, helping Adamson stay in the 3-4 spot as they are deadlocked with the DLSU Green Archers in the current UAAP standings.
Aside from his team’s statements and updates, Lastimosa has been actively sharing his injury progress on his TikTok account and is already undergoing light basketball drills.
Once Lastimosa will comeback in the UAAP hardwood, the team is expected to compete at their highest level again and will need consistent outings from Cedrick Manzano, Matthew Montebos, and Vince Magbuhos.
