MANILA – San Miguel Beermen’s bid for its sixth Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup championship could be in peril after June Mar Fajardo suffered a leg injury in practice.
In an official statement by the Beermen on Wednesday, the five-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) sustained a complete fracture on his right tibia during Monday’s team practice, but he immediately underwent successful surgery on Tuesday.
“He will be scheduled to go through post-operation rehabilitation to allow him to recover at the soonest possible time,” the Beermen said. “The team regrets that he won’t be able to play for the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Cup.”
San Miguel added that Fajardo was also saddened with the injury, as he will not be able to play for Gilas Pilipinas in any of its upcoming international competition, although he was not selected as part of the pool for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers slated this month.
“The San Miguel Beermen management is committed to ensuring that June Mar gets the best medical care, and would like to thank fans for the messages of concern and well wishes,” the management said.
With the possible long-term absence of Fajardo, San Miguel will have to rely on Moala Tautuaa and Billy Mamaril in the five position, while forwards Arwin Santos and Russel Escoto will manage the paint.
The Beermen’s bid for a possible sixth straight Philippine Cup title will begin against Magnolia Hotshots in the conference opener on March 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, San Miguel has loaded its guard rotation after signing free agent Angelo Alolino and rookie Wendelino Comboy. He (Comboy) was drafted by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters but was left unsigned./PN
