June Mar Fajardo is working his way back into game shape now that he has fully recovered from a calf injury he sustained last February.
The San Miguel star saw action in the Beermen’s PBA Season Philippine Cup debut against Rain or Shine on Friday night in what was his first game back since Game 6 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Magnolia.
“Conditioning na lang siguro,” the seven-time MVP told reporters moments after the 109-97 win at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. “So far OK naman.”
Fajardo suffered the said injury during Game 4 of the said title series last February 9, but decided to play through it to help SMB clinch the crown in six and annex the franchise’s 29th league championship overall.
The 34-year-old center went on to focus on healing afterwards, flying back home to Cebu for a quick vacation to visit his late mother’s tomb.
He then returned to Manila to join Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers’ opening window. He sat out the campaign but joined the national team in their games against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.
“OK naman. Maganda naman ‘yung recovery. Nakapagpahinga naman ako,” shared the current season MVP race frontrunner.
Doctors cleared Fajardo to play just last March 8 and showed how much he has progressed following a solid outing against the Elasto Painters.
There, he finished with 15 points, including a triple, and 10 rebounds to help the Beermen open their title defense bid on a rousing note. He shot 7-of-11 from the floor and also had an assist, a steal, and a pair of blocks.
Still, Fajardo is playing under minutes restriction since he has just recovered, giving others a chance to step up as he continues to regain his form.
The 12-year veteran particularly lauded Mo Tautua’a, who came through with a full line of seven points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block as he made the most out of the 19 minutes and 49 seconds he played.
“Kailangan namin si Mo. Malaking bagay si Mo para sa amin. Kailangan namin ‘yung presensya niya sa loob,” offered Fajardo, who only played for a little under 25 minutes. “‘Yung nilaro niya sana tuloy-tuloy.”
