NCAA: Charles Tiu not ruling Allen Liwag out for Season 102

FILE–College St. Benilde Blazers’ Allen Liwag during Game 2 of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball Finals against Mapua Cardinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Much has been said about Allen Liwag’s status for the College of St. Benilde in the upcoming NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament.

Active consultant Charles Tiu, though, assured the Blazers faithful that they will see the reigning two-time MVP in action for Benilde in Season 102. The only catch is that he’ll be unavailable early in their campaign.

READ: Charles Tiu doesn’t mind ‘tiring’ grind as he steers CSB 

“[He] should miss a few games,” Tiu told the Inquirer in a text message on Saturday. “[But] he will play at some point.”

Tiu bared that the 6-foot-6 Liwag got hurt last month but refused to delve into the specifics of the injury, saying he was “not sure of the exact diagnosis.”

Liwag was named MVP for the second straight time last season, averaging 15.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block per game. He led CSB to a finals appearance in Season 100 but was swept by Mapua.

Liwag’s strong showing last season, however, was still not enough to propel the Blazers back into the title round after they were booted out by eventual champion San Beda in the semifinals.

Despite dealing with Liwag’s injury concerns, Benilde remains a Final Four contender with a deep roster that includes Justine Sanchez, Joshua Cajucom, Raffy Celis, Jhomel Ancheta and newcomer Dairick Duterte.