MANILA – Rain or Shine's Adrian Nocum allayed fears over his condition after the scary collision between him and Meralco's Cliff Hodge in the Elasto Painters' 85-85 win at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The incident between the two players took place with 4:06 remaining in the third period, when Rain or Shine was leading Meralco, 66-63.
In the sequence, Nocum was driving to the basket and made a pass when his knee collided with Hodge's knee, resulting in both players going down on the floor in pain.
"Talagang solid talaga, eh. Yung tuhod niya tumama dito sa hita ko. Uh, sobrang sakit! Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung tama," Nocum told reporters after their victory.
Nocum was asked if he thinks the move by Hodge was intentional, since the Meralco forward was eventually called for an unsportsmanlike foul.
"Hindi ko alam. Pero siyempre knowing Cliff Hodge. Kilala naman natin si Cliff Hodge. So, kasama naman 'yun," the Rain or Shine guard said.
READ: Guiao says Hodge 'dirtiest player' in the PBA
The 26-year-old guard admitted he was worried because of the injury scare, especially since he took some time before standing on his own.
"Oo, kinabahan ako sobra. Kasi talagang nung pagtama niya sa akin, talagang ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung sakit eh. Alam mo 'yun, hindi ko siya magalaw. Kasi pagtayo ko, nailakad ko naman. Kaya, sabi ko, okay naman," Nocum explained.
The Elasto Painters guard returned to action after the incident, finishing with just six points and eight assists in over 30 minutes of play.
"Hindi naman [naapektuhan], medyo maalat lang talaga. Kaya bumawi na lang ako sa ibang bagay na pwedeng maitulong sa team," he said.
READ: Hodge says no hard feelings against Yeng Guiao after 'dirtiest player' remark
For now, Nocum said he's feeling okay and showed he was able to walk on his own even after the incident and the game.
"Uminom kasi ako ng gamot, eh. Siguro, medyo ano pa, okay pa. Problema ko na ito, bukas pagising ko. Baka masakit ito pag bukas o maga," he shared.
"Wala naman [MRI]. Kasi nailaro ko pa. Mukhang okay naman siya. Talagang solid lang talaga 'yung pagka-tama niya. Talagang ramdam na ramdam ko. Pero, goods naman," Nocum said.
Rain or Shine will return to action on Sunday against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.