SAN Miguel coach Leo Austria said June Mar Fajardo has been playing hurt for quite some time now including the recently-concluded FIBA Asia Cup 2025 where he, some fans felt, played a subpar performance for Gilas Pilipinas.
Austria said Fajardo hasn’t completely healed from the calf injury that he sustained during the first game of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinals against Barangay Ginebra. But Fajardo played through it all until the FIBA Asia Cup where Gilas Pilipinas placed seventh following its ouster against Australia.
READ: San Miguel begins preparation for Philippine Cup title defense
As far as Fajardo’s commitment to the national team, Austria said it’s unquestionable.
“Regarding sa Gilas naman niya, basta tinawag siya, hindi siya hihindi because this is for the country,” Austria told SPIN.ph. “Ever since, hindi naman siya umaayaw sa laban.”
When asked about his performance in the FIBA Asia Cup and the sentiments of some of the fans, Austria alluded that it has something to do with the injury: “Actually, hindi siya 100 percent since after ng first game namin sa semifinals against Ginebra.”
“Hindi siya nagpa-practice. But he is still present sa ensayo namin. Pinapanood lang niya because he keeps doing the therapy sa kanyang leg. Alam naman natin na si June Mar, siya ang inaasahan natin. We don’t want to aggravate ‘yung ano ‘yung nararamdaman niya,” he stated.
The recently-crowned 10-time PBA champion said Fajardo wasn’t even able to attend the team’s victory celebration for its fans on the day after San Miguel captured the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup title against TNT in Game 6 last July 25.
“I’m really worried about him because right after ng championship namin, meron kaming victory party for the fans. Hindi siya nakarating dahil namamaga ‘yung kanyang leg, hindi makalakad,” Austria shared.
“At the same time, pupunta siya sa Gilas para sa mga practices at hindi siya nakapag-practice doon. I think two days before the tournament, doon lang siya nakapag-practice,” he added.
Fajardo averaged five points and three rebounds in 15.9 minutes of action through five games of Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The eight-time PBA MVP is now taking a well-deserved rest before the Beermen go back to practice next week in preparation for the 50th Season and their title defense of the Philippine Cup.
It is an opportunity for Fajardo to heal from his injury.
Following the busy offseason for Fajardo, San Miguel is expected to allow their premier big man to recuperate, and Austria is confident that he will stay in shape even during the break.
“I’m confident sa kanya kasi hindi siya nagpapabaya. Kahit hindi siya nagpa-practice, meron siyang self-practice na nagpapakundisyon,” said Austria.
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