TWO YEARS ago, things were looking up for the Tab Baldwin-led Blue Eagles despite their finals loss against the favored De La Salle University Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Basketball tournament.
A key factor in Ateneo’s surprising run was then-sophomore Adrian Wong, whose versatility seamlessly fit in Baldwin’s system. After two seasons in the UAAP, he was poised to be a valuable cog for the Blue Eagles come Season 80. Fate, however, had other plans.
After Wong returned from vacation in the offseason, he hit the practice courts. During a scrimmage, he cut backdoor and did a staggered hopstep that was “similar to what [Derrick] Rose did,” and that’s when it happened. “When I landed, I just knew at that time. Nobody had to tell me,” he recalled.
He was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on his left knee, which would keep him out of action for Season 80’s entirety.
Since then, the interdisciplinary studies supersenior has been through a long road of lessons and recovery to get himself ready to help the Blue Eagles defend their title in Season 81.
Taking it day by day
In the December 2016 break leading to the injury, Wong continued training with his father when he returned to his home in Dallas, Texas. When training resumed, he felt physically sound which made accepting the reality of his injury more painful. “At first I was in denial, and the first thing I did was call my parents after,” he said.
The rest of the Blue Eagles had to deal with the shock as well, but nonetheless continued to be a pillar of support throughout the ordeal. “You just give [Wong] positive messages,” Baldwin said. “Just make sure that he’s doing his job and [recovering] properly—we knew he was doing that.”
During the 10-month recovery process, Wong spent most of his time in rehab with the physical therapy team at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center. The veteran guard’s mantra throughout the painstaking ordeal was to “take it day by day.” After an arduous recovery, he gradually eased his way into the Blue Eagles’ training sessions and was cleared to play in December 2017.
Wong acknowledged many of the changes that he went through during his recovery. Physically, stretching and balance exercises became a major part of his routine in terms of both recovery and prevention. Overcoming the mental hurdles, however, was harder for the Texas-based guard. Taking the time off to religiously stick to the recovery process required a great deal of dedication and discipline on Wong’s part.
Despite how far he’s come since the injury, Wong admits his ACL history remains at the back of his mind. “I still think about my knee and I’m more conscious of what could be bad and good for it,” he said.
Returning to the fray
Over the summer of 2018, Wong was slowly ushered back into Baldwin’s rotation and matchday plans with appearances in the FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup, SMART CityHoops, and the 2018 Jones Cup. The Ateneo’s first match in the FilOil Preseason Cup marked Wong’s return to the team, where the veteran showed no signs of rust as he went on to drop 13 points to finish as the team’s second leading scorer in their win against a talented 2018 Philippine Gilas Cadets team.
In the SMART CityHoops tournament meanwhile, Wong played a huge part in getting the Blue and White its title with his contributions including his game-high 14-point performance against the University of the Philippines in the semifinals round.
Although Wong’s participation in the FilOil Cup and CityHoops tourney saw the Fil-Texan garner some silverware, the highlight of his preseason was representing both school and country for the first time at the international level in the 2018 Jones Cup.
“That was so fun for me,” quips Wong. “Representing the country meant a great deal to me, and it was a tremendous honor.”
Joining the title defense
On what Wong can possibly bring to the team for the upcoming season, Coach Tab spoke about the versatility and basketball IQ that the returning swingman provides on both ends of the floor. “He’s a good shooter with good size, so we can even move him over to the 3 spot,” Baldwin said. “He can also defend the 1, 2, and 3 easily, because he’s a smart defender. He’s a very valuable player.”
In his third playing year, Wong has a renewed sense of purpose to keep the UAAP basketball title in Loyola Heights. “Whatever Coach Tab wants me to do for the team, I’m down to do,” Wong said. “We’re expecting to defend the crown, but [we’re also hoping] to have a great season, win all the games we can, and take it one game at a time.”
With Wong returning, Coach Tab at the helm, and a healthy balance of veterans and rookies eager for action on the hardcourt, the Blue Eagles are poised to deliver in another exhilarating UAAP Season.
