Mapua big man Warren Bonifacio.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Mapua forward Warren Bonifacio lamented not having the ability to play true to form within the Cardinals’ NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball Finals loss against San Beda.
Bonifacio, considered one of Mapua’s key cogs in its Finals run, revealed he played through an ankle injury from the second round of the elimination round up until Sunday’s season finale.
“Not everyone knows what’s happening behind the scenes. I even have an injury in my right ankle. I took an MRI test late within the second round so I actually had a tough time,” said the graduating Bonifacio in Filipino on Sunday after a 76-66 loss in Game 3.
“My ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament) and PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament) in my right ankle got torn so every training, game and particularly on this series, my body wasn’t at 100% but my heart to play for Mapua remained at 100%,” added Bonifacio, who sustained the injury during practice.
Bonifacio finished with just 4 points and 7 rebounds in his final game for the Cardinals, who blew a 1-0 series lead within the championship.
Bonifacio made the Mythical Team averaging 10.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, helping Mapua claim the highest seed.
“I really need to win a championship for Mapua, not so much knows that. I actually had a tough time hanging with San Beda because I actually felt it (injury).”
Bonifacio could join the Magnolia Hotshots within the PBA after being taken within the fifth round by the franchise in last September’s draft once he completes his full recovery.
“Still no talk with coach Chito for now because I used to be focused on this series. Our last talk, he told me to give attention to the NCAA championship before that (PBA).”
