BIÑAN – June Mar Fajardo finally played his first game in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday but made it clear he still has a lot more work to do in order to be in game shape.
Fajardo saw action on Saturday in the Beermen’s 120-99 win over Rain or Shine at the Alonte Sports Arena but only played for 10 minutes. He scored two points and grabbed two rebounds.
Fajardo said he is just happy to be back on the court two months after sustaining a stress fracture in his right shin and win in his first game back from the injury.
“Masaya ako na nakabalik ako. Masaya ako na nanalo kami. Sana tuluy-tuloy na,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo admitted he is still not in game shape as he is still struggling with his conditioning during the game.
“Medyo nakakapanibago. Parang naghahabol ako ng kundisyon. Siyempre, ngayon lang ako nakatakbo uli. Masaya ako na nanalo kami. Credit sa teammates ko, maganda linaro namin,” Fajardo said.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria reiterated on Saturday he only wanted Fajardo to see some court time in order to get his groove in playing an actual game.
“I’m happy to see him na nakapaglaro siya. What we want from him is just to feel the court. Actually, he is not in game shape because psychologically, he is thinking his injury. We can’t afford to re-injure his injury,” said Austria.
Fajardo will have the luxury of time to continue to get into game shape as San Miguel’s next game will be next Saturday against Meralco.
“Our next game is against Meralco. He has four or five days to get into shape,” said Austria.
Following his first game, Fajardo vowed to deliver for San Miguel and give quality minutes for the team until he gets into full shape.
“Kahit konti lang minutes ko, ibibigay ko pa rin best ko at kung ano ang dapat kong gawin,” the four-time Most Valuable Player of the league said.
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