From Shin Injury to Win Streak: Elliot Dimaculangan Finds his Footing at UP

The road to Elliot Dimaculangan’s UAAP debut began months before he could step onto the court for a game. UP had been training since February, but a shin injury forced the Filipino-Canadian guard to miss its first four games of Season 89. 

His October 11 debut against La Salle finally brought him back alongside his teammates. Two weeks later, he’s helped the Fighting Maroons put together five straight wins.

“Of course, it was tough for me to be hurt right before the UAAP season. We’ve been training really hard since February, and to be injured for the first month was obviously hard,” Dimaculangan shared with ALL-STAR after the La Salle game.

“But, I mean, it’s part of the process, and just being able to come back today and having me back in the game was what’s important.”

For the former Simon Fraser University guard, the injury delayed a UAAP debut he had spent months preparing for. While his teammates began their campaign, his work shifted to rehabilitation and finding ways to stay ready without aggravating the injury.

Staying ready through rehab

With certain drills off-limits, Dimaculangan had to make the most of what he could do. Physical therapy and work with Coach Dwight helped him prepare to rejoin UP’s rotation.

“Of course, I was limited to certain drills and stuff, but, you know, just keeping, staying mentally prepared and doing whatever I’m able to do with PT and Coach Dwight really helped me to be ready for this game today,” he said.

Staying mentally prepared mattered, too. Dimaculangan had to wait for his opportunity while UP navigated an uneven start, including back-to-back losses to National University and Far Eastern University before facing La Salle.

That opportunity arrived on October 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena. In his first UAAP appearance, Dimaculangan scored 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting and grabbed two rebounds in about 15 minutes as UP beat La Salle, 80-76. His contribution helped end the Maroons’ two-game skid and lift them to 3-2.

“Yeah, I know, I mean, it feels amazing to be back on the court with my teammates, and obviously, first game against La Salle and, you know, amazing atmosphere, huge game, and it’s good to be back.”

Five straight and counting

He has continued contributing since that night. After UP edged Adamson, Dimaculangan scored 11 points in a 91-81 win over UE on October 17. He and Chicco Briones helped turn a four-point deficit late in the third quarter into a 73-65 lead, giving UP the advantage heading into the final period.

The second round has brought more opportunities to make a difference. Against UST on October 21, Dimaculangan’s three-pointer capped a 14-0 fourth-quarter run that put UP ahead, 79-72. The Maroons eventually prevailed, 103-101, in double overtime. He then added nine points in their 101-70 victory over UE on October 25, extending the winning streak that began with his debut to five games.

Asked after the La Salle game about preparing for what came next, Dimaculangan pointed to the people guiding the team.

“Just trusting in the coaches. They always have the right plans, the right process. So continuing to put trust in Coach Gold, Coach Tom, and the rest of the coaching staff and just staying prepared moving on to the next game.”

That preparation has taken on a different shape since his return. The limited drills and rehabilitation sessions have given way to minutes in close games, timely baskets and a growing role in UP’s rotation. The Maroons have won all five games since his debut, improving to 7-2 as of October 25.

Getting back on the court was the milestone Dimaculangan had waited for. With the second round underway, he is giving UP reasons to keep calling his number.