PASSI, Iloilo – Raymond Almazan has taken over the spot of June Mar Fajardo, who will miss the PBA All-Star Game due to an injury in his left knee that he sustained during the EASL Champions Week.
PBA deputy commissioner and All-Star project director Eric Castro announced the change during the press conference on Thursday.
READ: Fajardo skips All-Star Game due to injury
Almazan fills the center position at Team Japeth left by the six-time PBA MVP, who sustained the injury after a collision with Ryukyu Golden Kings import Jack Cooley just 21 seconds into the Beermen's EASL debut.
Fajardo was selected second by Team Japeth behind Barangay Ginebra teammate Christian Standhardinger during the PBA All-Star draft show.
Team Japeth has been ravaged with injuries with LA Tenorio, Mikey Williams, and Terrence Romeo not playing against Team Scottie.
Scottie Thompson said he felt fortunate that his team is healthy coming into the All-Star Game.
“Sobrang sakto ‘yung pinili ko kasi ‘yung mga nasa team ko, healthy. ‘Yun ang importante coming into the All-Star na sana healthy ‘yung mga players.
"‘Yung mga fans na bumoto, talagang gustong gusto nila makita ‘yung binoto nila,” said Thompson during the press conference.
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