The stars are aligning for the San Miguel Beermen.
After getting their third straight win at the expense of the NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday night, the Beermen will become even mightier, as June Mar Fajardo has been cleared by the doctors to play in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
The reigning, four-time Most Valuable Player was with the team in their 114-107 conquest of the Batang Pier at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City and in full battle gear, though he did not see action for even a second.
But Fajardo is expected to play against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this Saturday, October 27, in Biñan.
“Okay naman. Cleared na ako sa doktor na makalaro. Sana makalaro na ako by Saturday,” said Fajardo, who missed nine games this conference thanks to a stress fracture in his right shin, which is a case of wear-and-tear.
“Masaya ako na nakasama ko ulit mga teammates ko sa court kahit ‘di ako nakalaro. Masaya ako. Then, sana tuloy-tuloy na. Sana mag-heal na.”
Fajardo will be joining the Beermen’s scrimmages tomorrow, his first after sitting out for two months. And he hopes that he can get his game shape back, as he only had therapy and some strengthening exercises while recovering.
“Tagal na rin akong nagsi-swimming. Nagbabike. Nagba-bike ako mga one week mahigit na … Yun pa lang ginagawa ko. Takbo, wala masyado. Totally, wala,” he said.
“Sobrang tagal ko ‘di nakatakbo, mga two months.”
With his return looming on Saturday, the Cebuano star is now poised to win his unprecedented fifth straight MVP plum, as league rules say that a player should play in at least 70 percent of his team’s games or 45 games – in a season.
Fajardo has played in 44 games, meaning he only needs to play one more to secure the award.
But for the 28-year-old slotman, all that he really cares about is getting his form back, so he can help the Beermen – who now carry a 5-4 record – in their bid to finish in the best place they can for the playoffs.
“Focus muna ako sa pagpapagaling ko. Yun muna focus ko. Tapos, ayun. Kung makuha ko yung MVP, thankful ako. Siyempre credit ko yun sa mga teammates ko. ‘Di ko naman makukuha yun kung ‘di dahil sa kanila,” he said.
“Sa ngayon, kailangan kong magpa-kundisyon para makatulong ako sa team.”
