SAN Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said June Mar Fajardo will be on minutes restrictions when he returns from injury in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday.
Austria said Fajardo’s minutes will be carefully watched during the match against Rain or Shine - his first since a two-month layoff due to a stress fracture in his right foot.
“Maybe on Saturday, we will give him some time to play but it’s managed minutes,” said Austria following Wednesday’s victory over NorthPort.
“June Mar, I think, he will play on Saturday,” he added.
The 6-10 Cebuano big man dressed for the match against NorthPort but Austria didn’t field him in the game as he was only cleared to join practice by doctors on Monday.
Austria also cracked a joke when asked by a reporter, “Iba-babad niyo ba si June Mar sa Sabado?”
“Lagi ko naman siya binababad eh nitong tatlong linggo … sa swimming pool,” Austria answered, referring to Fajardo’s aqua-training during his recovery period.
Turning serious, Austria said there is no urgency for San Miguel to use Fajardo in extended minutes with the Beermen closing in on a quarterfinal berth. The Beermen are now in sixth place with a 5-4 record.
“Pero we have to understand his situation kasi until now, hindi niya alam kung ano magiging result. If there is no pain in the next two or three days, he is ready to play. ‘Yung binababad na sinasabi natin, I think he will not get the usual minutes especially if we are already in the quarterfinals,” said Austria.