Fajardo twists ankle, doubtful for PBA All-Star Game in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo is doubtful for the the coming PBA All-Star Game on March 8 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Fajardo twisted his left ankle late in the first quarter of the Beermen’s 102-91 over the Barako Bull Energy on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The reigning MVP Fajardo said he won’t force himself to play in the All-Star Game if he still has not fully recovered come Sunday.

“Hindi ko alam (I don’t know),” Fajardo said when asked if he still intends to play in the All-Star Game. “Depende sa makikita sa X-ray kapag medyo masakit hindi ko muna ipipilit kasi mas importante yung mga upcoming games namin pero sayang yung All-Star.”

“Masakit pa yung sa bandang ilalim. Masakit iapak,” Fajardo added.

Heading into the All-Star break, the Beermen find themselves at the bottom of the standings with a 2-6 record, needing to sweep their remaining three games to avoid any complications in making the playoffs.

And San Miguel would certainly need the services of the 6-foot-10 Fajardo along the way to stay in playoff contention.

Fajardo said he will have an MRI on his right ankle Wednesday – the same day he’s supposed to fly to Palawan.

Suiting up or not, Fajardo said he can’t afford to miss this year’s festivities.

“Oo pupunta pa din. Maganda yung All-Star kasi hindi pa ako nakakapuntang Palawan. Magandang opportunity sana yon,” he said.

“Kung sa tingin ko kaya, maglalaro ako pero kapag may masakit o alanganin hindi ko pipilitin kasi mas kailangan namin yung games na yon.”

Fajardo extended his apologies to the fans who voted for him to become an All-Star starter for the South team.

But he remains hopeful that he’ll be able to play.

“Pasensya na sa mga fans na bumoto sakin. Pero sana maging okay, ilang days pa naman bago mag-All-Star.”