Kyt Jimenez's PBA debut ended prematurely after suffering a facial fracture. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
MANILA—Kyt Jimenez's anticipated PBA debut did not end well as he was accidentally hit by Cliff Hodge in his right eye area in the third quarter of the Meralco-San Miguel game on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Jimenez never returned to the game and even exited the arena with his right eye covered, a hint that the said area was swollen badly.
Jimenez himself confirmed the day later that he suffered a "blowout fracture [at the] medial wall" following an immediate checkup right after the game.
"Welcome to the PBA talaga TRX Nation!" Jimenez addressed his fans on his Facebook page upon announcing the facial fracture.
He jokingly added, "Mukha daw ako nakipag-one-on-one kay Boss MP," referring to boxing legend and MPBL president Manny Pacquiao.
Jimenez starred in the MPBL for two seasons and made history there by tallying the league's first-ever quadruple-double and Philippine professional basketball's second overall.
As he thanked those who expressed their concerns, well-wishes, and prayers for him, Jimenez told his fans not to stop rebutting those who are downplaying his injury.
"Mga kaTRX wag na din po tayo makipagtalo sa iba na nambabash pa sa injury ko, hayaan na yun guys nababasa ko maraming salamat," he further said.
Although he had to watch their win against the Bolts inside their locker room before he was eventually rushed to the hospital, Jimenez thanked the Beermen for taking care of him overnight.
He finished with two points, two rebounds, and two steals in 12 and a half minutes of play before the accident happened.
Jimenez did not mention a certain timetable for his return, but he said, "Update ako ulit soon!"
However, he might sit out SMB's game against Converge in the PBA's first regular season event outside Mega Manila at the Tiaong Convention Center on Saturday night.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno