David feels championship thrill while recovering

Jayson David had a tremendous PBA Philippine Cup stint that naturally, he was expected to be a key contributor for the Gin Kings in the Commissioner’s Cup that recently ended.

That was supposed to be the case, only for a season-ending injury to derail his march into a contributor and total stardom with the crowd-darlings.

From someone expected to lighten the load for the Kings, David turned into a spectator after tearing his left ACL in March in a game against the NLEX Road Warriors.

That, however, didn’t dampen his joy when Ginebra won its first title in three years after defeating TNT in Game 7 last Wednesday.

“I’m just so happy because I saw their dedication,” a beaming David told the Inquirer, alluding to his teammates. “Everyone really worked together while I’m sidelined and observing.

“They went through a lot, but now we won a championship and everyone, even me, can breathe better now.”

David has since had surgery and has begun going through rehab sessions, doing all that while being present every game for his Ginebra brothers.

And it’s a bittersweet feeling, the one of not being able to play and seeing his brothers win.

While he enjoys the support that Ginebra gives during his time of recovery, the tough-as-nails guard couldn’t help but feel like he could do more for his fellow Ginebra swingmen.

“I have this feeling since the playoffs came, when every time I see us trailing, I always think to myself, ‘sayang, if I was just there, I can help on defense to stop this player,’ but it’s okay,” he said.

“My teammates stepped up, so I’m happy that they got me a championship even if I’m not on the team this time,” David added.

Already undergoing therapy sessions, David expects to be back as early as February next year.

“I feel like I can come back in February or March next year. I’m not sure but I’m certain it’s early next year.” INQ