DLSU’s Agunanne Battles Patellar Tendinopathy, Eyes April Return
Photo Source: UAAP Media Team
Henry Agunanne, the 6’11” Nigerian foreign student-athlete for the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, has been sidelined due to patellar tendinopathy — a condition characterized by progressive activity-related anterior knee pain and patellar tendon dysfunction. This injury has significantly impacted his participation in both practice and competitive play.
Patellar tendinopathy, commonly referred to as “jumper’s knee,” is prevalent among athletes involved in sports that require frequent jumping and running, such as basketball. The condition arises from overuse of the patellar tendon, leading to microtears and degeneration. Symptoms typically include pain at the base of the kneecap, swelling, and a decrease in athletic performance.
In July 2024, Agunanne underwent a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) procedure to address the injury. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “I had a PRP procedure done in July so I was out for about two weeks then doing rehab… Unfortunately, the procedure did not work. The doctor informed us it was a 50/50 chance so we were just doing rehab in between games and practices last year.”
Despite these challenges, Agunanne made notable contributions during the UAAP Season 87. In a game against the National University Bulldogs, he delivered a season-best performance with 8 points and 15 rebounds for La Salle.
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Overall, however, Agunanne did not play up to the standard many hoped he would when he was first revealed as DLSU’s new foreign recruit. His injury, which was sustained in the 2024 Filoil preseason tournament, impacted his ability to perform on the court.
Currently, Agunanne has progressed to strength and conditioning exercises as part of his rehabilitation. These exercises are crucial in managing patellar tendinopathy, focusing on strengthening and stretching muscle groups such as the gluteal, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves to support the tendon and alleviate symptoms.
He expressed, “I am doing rehab currently and I am hoping to be 100% after the expected period. It’s a slow process.”
The mental aspect of recovery has also been challenging for Agunanne. He admitted to missing the “grind” and occasionally worrying about his ability to perform at his previous level. To cope, he has been focusing on his studies as a BS Information Technology student and engaging in activities to keep himself busy. He shared, “I’ve also been doing other things to keep my mind occupied plus the weight of academics this term is keeping my mind working extra hours so I don’t really worry about the whole situation.”
Agunanne’s target return date is in April, aiming to participate in the upcoming Filoil preseason tournament in May. His return is highly anticipated, as his presence significantly bolsters DLSU’s defensive and rebounding capabilities. The team and fans alike are hopeful for his full recovery, recognizing his importance to the Green Archers’ success in the upcoming UAAP season.
In the meantime, Agunanne remains committed to his rehabilitation program, trusting the process laid out by his physical therapists and strength and conditioning coaches. He remains optimistic, stating, “I’ve just been praying a lot about it and believing that it will all make sense in the end.”
As the DLSU Green Archers prepare for their UAAP campaign, the potential return of a fully fit Henry Agunanne could be a game-changer, providing the team with a defensive anchor they need to compete at the highest level.
