A training mishap left Gboy De Vega nursing a right ankle injury that forced him to sit out three games, and as the UST Golden Spikers continue to gain traction in Season 88, he is eager to get back into form.
On Saturday, De Vega stepped back onto the UAAP taraflex, delivering a back-row attack that brought the Golden Spikers to match point on the way to a straight-sets victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
Though still managing the effects of the injury, De Vega hopes to rebuild his confidence as the Golden Spikers head toward the closing stretch of Round 1.
“Kahit maikling oras lang ang binigay sa akin sa court, malaking bagay na ‘yon,” De Vega told the Varsitarian. “Sa simpleng oras na ‘yon, I was able to gain my confidence.”
De Vega said the brief appearance against Adamson gave him a chance to repay his teammates, who supported him during his recovery and stepped up in his absence.
“Sa palong ‘yon, naibalik ko kaagad ‘yong tiwala ng mga teammates ko at mga coaches ko kasi galing ako sa injury,” he said.
“They have allowed me to do my best in my recovery para maka-contribute.”
De Vega last saw action in the team’s season opener against the NU Bulldogs, where he posted six points in a straight-set loss.
He then sat out the Golden Spikers’ matches against the De La Salle Green Spikers, Ateneo Blue Eagles and UE Red Warriors, all of which ended in victories.
De Vega has injured the same right ankle three times during his stint at UST, making him especially careful during the recovery process.
“Everyday, ‘yong ankle nagre-relapse pa rin. Talagang twice or thrice a day ‘yong strengthening,” he said. “Patuloy pa rin namin siyang inaalagaan para sa mga susunod na games, lalong magamit ko pa ‘yong ankle ko.”
Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon also said the team has been extra cautious with De Vega’s injury given the ankle’s history.
“Hindi pa kasing taas ‘yong talon niya before. So, unti unti lang talaga namin siyang ini-inject sa game time,” he said.
The Golden Spikers currently hold a 4-1 record, tied with the Bulldogs for the No. 2 spot.
De Vega hopes the team can avoid further injury scares this season as they look to extend their winning run toward the end of the first round.
“Sana tuloy tuloy na ‘yong wins and wala na ring sumunod na injury,” he said. “Gusto namin na maglaro kaming injury-free.”
“Ayaw na rin naming maging lax dahil masyado pang maaga. Marami pang pwedeng mangyari.”
The Golden Spikers will next face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, March 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
