JUNE Mar Fajardo has already been given the go-signal by doctors to play for San Miguel in the ongoing Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
It’s now up to the newly-crowned Best Player of the Conference whether to suit for the Beermen or not.
“Nasa akin na lang daw 'yun kung kaya ko na,” said Fajardo, a few moments after the Beermen got a new lease on life following their 110-104 victory in overtime on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
The 6-foot-10 center showed up for the best-of-seven title series for the first time during Game Four to personally receive his fourth PBA BPC title, and at the same time cheer the Beermen on from the bench as they try to salvage their campaign – and their crown – in the all-Filipino conference.
Fajardo said he badly wanted to help the team’s cause and not just give support to the Beermen while sitting on the sidelines.
But at the same time, he also doesn’t want to play if he's not 100 percent fit.
“Mahirap din kasi na maglaro ng hindi ka 100 percent fit,” said the back-to-back league MVP. “Kasi siyempre 'yung puwersa ko ilalagay ko sa kanang tuhod (ko) para protektahan yung kaliwa. Kaya mahirap din, baka 'yung isa naman ang maapektuhan.”
Although Fajardo remains a game-to-game decision, coach Leo Austria already said his prized center will definitely see action for San Miguel if the series goes to a decisive Game Seven. The Beermen still trail in the finals, 1-3.
[See Austria vows Fajardo will play if SMB can extend Alaska to a Game 7]
What Fajardo promised though, is to be present every game of the series from here on.
“Every game andito na ako,” said the 25-year-old pride of Cebu.
Game Five is set Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.