SAN Miguel coach Leo Austria decided to play June Mar Fajardo in Game 2 despite the latter sustaining a calf injury in their PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinal opener against Barangay Ginebra.
Entering Game 2, the Beermen left the decision whether or not to field in Fajardo to Austria after an injury scare that saw the eight-time MVP feeling tightness in his right calf. He was later cleared by doctors on the eve of Friday’s contest.
READ: Hobbled June Mar says sitting out Game Two not an option
Fajardo entered the ballgame at the 1:55 mark of the first quarter with SMB already protecting a 21-9 lead. Austria said he still wanted to give Fajardo some court action in order for him to get his rhythm.
“I want him to get his confidence,” said Austria, when asked about giving Fajardo minutes in Game 2. “Kitang-kita naman natin ‘yung kanyang mga point blank, hindi pumapasok because he is thinking something might happen on his jump because hindi biro ‘yung kanyang pinagdaanan.”
Abai gon' Abai
It was Fajardo who also made Austria’s decision easier.
Austria revealed that Fajardo was one of the first players to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, proof that he wanted to play in Game 2.
“Knowing his injury, we don’t want to aggravate if you would force him to play. The decision was with him. But this afternoon, before the game, he is one of the early birds. That means he wants to play,” said Austria.
Austria also said Fajardo volunteered not to start for Game 2.
As he shared, “The good thing with him is that he knows his situation, and he told me, ‘Coach, don’t start me.’ That’s a motivation on Mo [Tautuaa] before the start of the game. I told him in front of his teammates, ‘Mo, you will start’ without knowing that he will be replacing June Mar.”
READ: SMB whips Ginebra in Game 2 as bench steps up for hobbled Fajardo
Austria said just the presence of Fajardo in uniform was enough for San Miguel to be inspired. Several players stepped up with Marcio Lassiter leading all Beermen scorers with 16 markers.
“I appreciate him because he is a warrior. He is a team player. He wants his team to be inspired by showing up to the game early. It’s enough for the team to gain some confidence,” said Austria.
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