Talk ‘N Text import Howell taken to hospital after fall

MANILA, Philippines – Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters import Richard Howell was taken to the hospital on Wednesday night, April 9 after he absorbed a hard and awkward fall during their match against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

With less than 3 minutes left in the first half, Howell, 23, received the dish from Jimmy Alapag on the break on his way to a lay-up for the two points. But Rain or Shine’s Paul Lee was there to defend him and Howell was unable to avoid contact as he fell shoulder first onto the hardwood. 

According to Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black, Howell complained about pain in his right shoulder at halftime even as he was still able to raise his arm. 

“I’m not too sure about my import. He went to the hospital to get an MRI of his shoulder. He hit the ground pretty hard on that fall,” Black explained. “We just have to wait what happens with that.” 

Howell finished with two points and 9 rebounds in 16 minutes of playing time. This conference, the 6-foot-8 Georgia native has averaged 23.14 points and 21.14 rebounds not including this game against Rain or Shine, per pba-online.net. 

Despite missing the services of Howell, Talk ‘N Text managed to eke out a victory over the feisty Rain or Shine, 85-82, and remain unbeaten at 8-0. 

Black said he has not considered replacing Howell just yet. 

“Haven’t thought about that yet. I have no idea of the seriousness of his injury. I’m not really sure if he needed to go to the hospital but the doctor said he needed to get an MRI just to make sure,” Black explained.  

“I would imagine if we weren’t in first place going into the next round maybe he would’ve gutted it out and played, I don’t know. But we just have to wait for the doctor’s report. But I haven’t thought about replacing him.”

Black said if it’s just a slight bruise or tear it might take Howell from a week or two to heal. He also said he didn’t think the contact with Paul Lee was intentional. – Rappler.com