With Gilas Pilipinas entering the do-or-die stage of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, the Philippines will have its full force as June Mar Fajardo feels that he is ready to join the team starting tonight against South Korea.
“Getting better naman [‘yung injury]. I’ll try my best na makalaro bukas,” Fajardo told Sports5.
“Kaya na siguro.”
“Nung tumakbo ako kanina, okay naman. May discomfort lang pero baka sa utak ko lang na may sumasakit. Hopefully, walang sasakit bukas,” the 6-foot-11 big man furthered.
Last August 4, the 27-year old was diagnosed with a slight tear on his right calf. Still he joined the team in its trip to Beirut, Lebanon.
Fajardo last played for Gilas during the 2017 SEABA Championship, posting norms of 9.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 14.3 minutes of action.
Still, Coach Chot Reyes won’t force the issue with Fajardo, saying that he will only plug in the big man depending on the situation.
“It’s hard to say. If you have somebody like June Mar in your arsenal, you’re going to go out and find a way and really use him,” Reyes told Jutt Sulit of Sports5.
“But first of all, we have to see how much of game timing he has. We still have to manage that.”
Gilas takes on regional rivals South Korea tonight at 11:30pm.
