JUNE Mar Fajardo returned to the court on Wednesday after hurting his calf during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals last month.
Fajardo saw action for 24 minutes and 57 seconds and finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in San Miguel’s 109-97 win over Rain or Shine.
Fajardo cleared to play
“He was cleared by the doctor on March 8,” said San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent. “The doctor gave him the go signal to play today.”
Fajardo’s injury forced him to miss the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers first window against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. The seven-time PBA MVP still made the trip for the road game versus Hong Kong but was on the sidelines.
Gallent said Fajardo played hurt during the finals.
Fajardo played hurt in finals
“In the finals, he was really playing injured. I think he forced himself to play Game Five and Six. Hats off to him. He is a true professional. He is hurt, he plays, because he knows he is a big factor to the team. That’s what’s good about him,” said Gallent.
Gallent said Fajardo’s minutes on the court will depend on how his back-up Mo Tautuaa will play. On Friday, Tautuaa had seven points and six rebounds in 19 minutes of action.
“It really depends on Mo because Mo really played well. He would get his minutes. If Mo plays well, then Mo plays on the court. It really depends on the other substitutes of June Mar,” said Gallent.
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