JUNE Mar Fajardo is injury free and is now gearing up for the buildup of Gilas Pilipinas for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Fajardo on Monday participated in the drills after finally recovering from the MCL injury he suffered during San Miguel’s campaign in the East Asia Super League.
He is expected to be cleared this week to join full-contact training before the Gilas pool flies to Europe for their pre-World Cup training camp.
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“Nagpa-practice na ako pero kailangan ko lang ma-clear na this week,” said Fajardo. “Siyempre masaya. Blessed tayo na mapasama sa national team. Thankful tayo na mapasama."
Fajardo’s focus will be in the Fiba Basketball World Cup build-up and will not be playing for San Miguel in the PBA on Tour.
“Nagre-rehab naman ako. Sobrang maganda naman ‘yung rehab. Sana tuloy-tuloy,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo’s situation is welcome news considering Gilas is currently hounded by injuries, with Carl Tamayo even pulling out due to knee issue.
Roger Pogoy (finger fracture), Ray Parks (muscle strain), and Calvin Oftana (calf) are still recovering from injuries, while Rhenz Abando is also nursing a shoulder injury but has been attending Gilas practices.
The six-time PBA MVP is in line for his third World Cup appearance. He was part of the 2014 team that captured a victory in Seville, Spain against Senegal, the last time the Nationals got a win in the World Cup stage.
Also eyeing a third straight World Cup appearance is Japeth Aguilar.
Fajardo said the team is not lacking in experience even though he and Aguilar are the only players with extensive World Cup experience.
“Pangatlong World Cup kung makakasama ako. Same as Japeth. ‘Yung mga bata naman, mga beterano na ‘yan kasi ‘yung iba naglaro na sa international. Hindi na bago sa kanila ‘yung international stage,” said Fajardo.
“Excited ako na makasama sila. Si Jordan (Clarkson) hindi ko pa nakikita ng personal. Excited ako sa darating na World Cup at sa mga biyahe namin, tune-up games sa training camp,” said Fajardo.
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