Fajardo aims to play vs Star

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel Beer is in no rush to bring back June Mar Fajardo but the injured center is hopeful to make his return sooner than later.

Limited to a mere spectator in the Beermen’s 116-96 demolition of the Alaska Aces on Wednesday, the two-time MVP is optimistic that he’ll be back on the hardcourt for the Beermen’s next game.

The Cebuano giant had no intentions of entering the game against Alaska but he was in unuiform to give his teammates an emotional boost, just like what he did back in the Philippine Cup Finals.

“I just wanted to suit up. I don’t want to force things,” he said in Filipino, still nursing the swollen right knee he sustained in their previous game against Rain or Shine.

But his road to recovery is a promising one, escaping any tears which could derail what is shaping up to be a season to remember for the Beermen.

“There’s just swelling. No major damage, no tear,” Fajardo said with glee.

Fortunately for him and his team, Tyler Wilkerson has proven himself to be the perfect import for San Miguel, which allows Fajardo to take his time in resting his injured knee.

“Our import is really good,” he said. “He’s so strong and he’s really a fit for our team. He makes the job of our big men easier because he’s playing that way. He also has an outside shot and that really puts his defenders in a difficult situation.”

However, rest is for the weak, and despite the potency the Beermen are displaying, Fajardo is aching to once again be a part of their wrecking crew.

“We have a long break. Probably by next game, I’ll be able to play.”

The Beermen will be back in action on Easter Sunday against the Star Hotshots.