June Mar Fajardo now 'healthy' as he returns from injury

Big man June Mar Fajardo said he is now 'healthy' after sustaining an injury in the finals of the PBA Commissioner's Cup last month.

The 7-time PBA Most Valuable Player missed the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas as they played against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.

On Friday, Fajardo played for almost 25 minutes and posted 15 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in San Miguel Beer's 109-97 win against Rain or Shine in their PBA Philippine Cup debut.

"Okay naman so far. Maganda naman 'yung recovery ko’t nakapagpahinga naman ako," Fajardo told the media.

June Mar Fajardo missed the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers due to a calf injury.

Earlier, June Mar played for almost 25 mins and had 15 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in SMB’s 109-97 win vs Rain or Shine in their PBA Philippine Cup debut. pic.twitter.com/WVyJf3t2V9

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) March 15, 2024

"Healthy na ‘ko, eh. Conditioning na lang siguro at saka kakabalik lang din namin sa practice, pero so far maganda naman ‘yong takbo ng team," he added.

(It's okay. My recovery is doing good and I took a rest. I'm healthy now. Maybe I just need more conditioning and we just returned so practice, but the team's run looks good.)

SMB head coach Jorge Gallent said Fajardo was cleared on March 8 and gave him the green light to play. He added that Fajardo was playing through injury in the finals and praised him for his professionalism.

"Hats off to him. He's a true professional. He knows he's a big factor to this team and that's what's good about him," added Gallent.

The San Miguel tactician said increasing Fajardo's playing time will also depend on the performance of his substitutes such as Mo Tautuaa. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News