Top vote-getter Fajardo ruled out of PBA All-Star Game

By: Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

JUNE Mar Fajardo. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo, the top vote getter for this year’s PBA All-Star game here, will be missing the festivities due to injury.

As per doctor’s orders, Beermen head coach Leo Austria has ruled Fajardo out of the All-Star Game on Sunday, where the Cebuano giant was supposed to start for the South side.

Fajardo twisted his left ankle in San Miguel’s 102-91 over the Barako Bull Energy last Tuesday. The reigning MVP only played a little under eight minutes.

READ: PBA: San Miguel repulses Barako Bull sans Fajardo

Austria said the 6-foot-10 Fajardo had his injury checked and was advised by his doctor “not to travel by air” to avoid further swelling on his ankle.

“Wala na,” said Austria when asked of Fajardo’s chances to play in the All-Star Game. “And I think he’s deserving to have a good rest because since Gilas he really hasn’t had any rest. And right now I think it will be important for him to rest.”

“It’s good for us but at the same time we’re sad for him because he really wanted to go,” added Austria, who will coach the North All-Stars.

Fajardo got 38,107 votes that earned him a starting spot this year.

READ: Fajardo top vote-getter for PBA 2015 All Star game

Fajardo had said he won’t force himself to play in the All-Star Game if he still feels pain on his ankle.

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