On Friday, March 15, when San Miguel makes its PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup debut against Rain or Shine, June Mar Fajardo will be a game-time decision.
More than a month ago, Fajardo hurt his calf in the Beermen’s Commissioner’s Cup finals matchup against Magnolia.
Despite enduring discomfort in assisting San Miguel in capturing its 29th league title, he was unable to compete for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers’ opening round.
Fajardo’s status was verified by Beermen team manager Gee Abanilla via text message on Thursday to One Sports.
San Miguel might need to control June Mar Fajardo’s playing time, even though he appears poised to cause trouble in the league once more.
“Game-time decision for the coaches, but, in my opinion, he looks good. Maybe they just have to manage his minutes,” said Abanilla.
Due to left calf stiffness, Fajardo missed the last portion of San Miguel’s Game Four loss against Magnolia, 96-85.
After that, he won the respect of Beermen coach Jorge Gallent by playing despite the pain and going against the doctor’s recommendations to lead the team over the Hotshots 108-98 in Game Five.
After winning Game Six 104–102 to seal the championship for the Beermen, June Mar Fajardo was instructed to take two weeks off from playing for Gilas Pilipinas. He missed the team’s matches against Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong on February 22 and 25, respectively.
