No fracture in Japeth Aguilar’s elbow, but status for Sunday up in the air

MANILA, Philippines – A day after hyperextending his elbow in a victory against the Blackwater Elite, Barangay Ginebra big man Japeth Aguilar is doing better in recovery, although his status for his team’s next contest on Sunday, January 22, remains up in the air.

Aguilar, who recorded 14 points in the first half of the game against Blackwater, was unable to return in the final two quarters after hyperextending his elbow on an awkward landing following a breakaway dunk close to the end of the second period.

“He was in the hospital until midnight last night. No fracture. It’s quite swollen. Still painful, and he couldn’t really move it fully last night,” said his agent, Matt Manotoc, when asked about Aguilar’s condition.

“Today was better, but [he’s] still limited in terms of movement. He went to practice. He may have done some mobility stuff, but I don’t think he was on the court.”

According to a source close to Aguilar, a Ginebra PT stayed over at the big man’s home to constantly ice the injury overnight. Aguilar will try to play on Sunday, but will not go unless he’s 100% with the playoffs coming up in mind.

“I’m not sure about his status for tomorrow, but he said he’s going to try,” said Manotoc.

Thank God it's nothing serious. Just need rest and ice! @benjieboyy will be staying over my place tonight to make sure I recover right away. pic.twitter.com/i3VCueKop4

— Japeth Aguilar (@japethaguilar35) January 20, 2017

Looking at the bright side, Aguilar’s agent is happy the big man’s injury wasn’t as bad as it could have potentially been.

“He’s been really lucky that his reactions are good when he goes down. He manages to catch himself. It wasn’t a full-weight landing, because if he landed with all his weight on his elbow, he might have dislocated it,” said Manotoc.

Already without Greg Slaughter, who’s recovering from a torn ACL, the 5-4 Gin Kings are aiming for a third straight victory against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, who have a similar record. Both teams are in the hunt for the second playoff seed. 

In 9 games this season, Aguilar is averaging 18.7 points on 54.3% shooting, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks a game. – Rappler.com