La Salle's Melecio not rushing himself in return from illness

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University guard Aljun Melecio does not want to push himself too hard after making his return for the Green Archers on Sunday after a four-game absence.

The sweet-shooting Melecio missed four games – including their rivalry game against Ateneo de Manila University on October 8 – due to a bout with dengue fever that led to a two-week hospital stay.

"Hindi pa ako 100%," Melecio said after playing less than 11 minutes in La Salle's 85-62 demolition of University of the Philippines (UP). "Dahan-dahan lang, kasi hindi naman agad nababalik 'yung kundisyon mo. Patience lang."

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Melecio had not played since La Salle lost to UP in the first round, and was still clearly working his way back into game shape on Sunday. He settled for three points on 1-of-3 shooting along with a rebound and two turnovers.

For Melecio, however, simply getting fielded back in is already an achievement in itself.

"Na-miss ko talaga laro," he said. "Makapasok lang, okay na. Buti naman nalagay sa court."

Melecio is averaging 11.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for the defending UAAP champions.

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