Meralco import Davis out indefinitely with severe muscle contusion

MANILA, Philippines – Meralco Bolts import Josh Davis is sidelined indefinitely after suffering severe muscle contusion on his left hip, according to team manager Paolo Trillo. 

“We already got X-ray and MRI results, the diagnosis is severe muscle contusion,” Trillo told Rappler Sunday, February 22 just as the team got back from Cagayan de Oro.  

“There’s a lot of pain. He’s trying to walk, barely. We’ll have to see. It depends right now because the muscle swelled up and spasms of course. For him to recover, the pain and the swelling will have to go down,” he added. 

Davis crashed awkwardly on the hardwood in the second quarter of a 102-86 loss to the San Miguel Beermen in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday, February 21 in Cagayan de Oro City. 

The 6-foot-10 big man June Mar Fajardo got Davis to jump high on a fake as he moved toward the basket and under Davis, who landed square on his left hip.

Davis immediately jumped back up to go after Fajardo but the pain set in and he fell back down on the floor. 

“Hindi ko ine-expect na ganoon yung mangayayari,” said an apologetic Fajardo, who broke out of his slump with a 21-point, 22-rebound performance. 

“Gusto ko lumapit sa kanya, gusto ko siya tulungan nung makita ko siya. Hindi ko alam gagawin ko, nagulat kasi ako. Hindi ko naman gawain yung manakit.” 

(I did not expect that to happen. I wanted to approach him, I wanted to help him when I saw him. I did not know what to do because I was shocked. It’s not my nature to hurt people.)

Fajardo also extended his apologies to Meralco coaching staff and players. 

The American import was stretchered off and was unable to return to the game, though he did make his way back to the team bench in the second half.

Trillo said the 6-foot-8 Davis is currently day-to-day and it is unclear how long he will gone.

“We’re not sure yet, we’re still observing. We don’t know how long he will be out,” Trillo said. “We’ll have to see how fast he’ll recover.” 

The team, Trillo said, still has not decided nor talked about whether they will play with or without an import on Friday, February 27 against the NLEX Road Warriors.

“Of course we have some backups but I think he should be okay. We’re just not sure if he’ll be a hundred percent right away.”

Davis, who has been averaging 20 points and 17 rebounds so far, finished with just 4 points and 5 rebounds in 13 minutes and 34 seconds as the Bolts absorbed its first loss of the conference after winning 5 straight. – Rappler.com