Lyceum’s JM Bravo on-court return ‘still dangerous’ after scary collapse
MANILA, Philippines – Sidelined indefinitely after falling unconscious on court, Lyceum guard JM Bravo admits it might take time before he returns to action in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Bravo shared he has yet to get clearance from his doctor, who noted it might be “still dangerous” for him to play.
“Akala ko kanina makakakuha na ako ng clearance. Sabi kasi ng doctor, delikado pa rin. Once na mauntog ako, or [may] tumama… sa ulo, puwede mag-bleeding ang utak ko,” said Bravo, who watched from the sideliines as Lyceum lost in overtime, 89-83, to Perpetual on Saturday, October 26.
“So parang susundin [ko ang] protocol. Hindi ko lang alam kung gaano katagal. Babalik pa ako [sa hospital] next week.”
(I thought I was going to get clearance, but the doctors said it’s still dangerous to play. My brain would possibly bleed if I hit my head again, so I need to follow protocol. I’m just not sure how long I need to wait. I’ll return to the hospital next week.)
Bravo figured in a scary on-court injury during Lyceum’s 91-86 loss to Arellano last October 19, where the Pirates guard fell unconscious after an accidental head collision.
Lyceum officials confirmed hours after the incident that Bravo suffered a concussion, describing it as like “a knockout punch” made even more “complicated by the way he fell on the floor.”
It was the second major injury Bravo suffered this season after a spinal injury that sidelined him early in the tournament.
Bravo shared he could not remember the exact moment he fell unconscious, likening the blow to the jaw to a knockout punch by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.
The fourth-year player also asked people to stop bashing his teammate John Barba, who tried to wake Bravo up on court by vigorously shaking his head before medics came to the rescue.
“I would do the same thing since we had no background in first aid, and any player would probably be rattled by the incident,” Bravo said in Filipno.
Bravo recalled he also had an unrelated fainting spell in high school, attributing the incident to fatigue, as all his heart tests came out normal.
For now, Bravo plans to pace himself, doing some light reading while resting at his home in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
“Naniniwala naman ako sa sarili ko na makakabalik pa ako,” said Bravo. “Siguro hindi talaga para sa akin [ang season na ’to], baka next year. Palalakasin ko sarili ko.”
(I believe that I can still return to action. Maybe this season isn’t just for me, maybe next year. I’ll make sure to get better.) – Rappler.com