June Mar Fajardo happy to see pal Marc Pingris back in action

MANILA, Philippines—June Mar Fajardo may have been disappointed after San Miguel got a 118-82 beating against Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, but he was ecstatic to once again play against old friend Marc Pingris.

The Hotshots’ power forward missed nearly 16 months of action due to knee injuries but Pingris is up and running again and played in his second game this season.

Fajardo, who rarely displays emotion, said he was happy that Pingris is back and healthy.

“I’m happy he’s back because who would event want to see his opponent get injured,” said Fajardo in Filipino Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pingris and Fajardo were teammates with Gilas and are nearly inseparable when wearing the national colors.

Even their interactions in the PBA have always been friendly with the 37-year-old Pingris serving as some sort of a big brother to the 29-year-old Fajardo.

“I want to see him play at his hundred percent,” said Fajardo. “I told him good luck and to take care of himself when he came to the floor.”

“We joked around because we missed each other. It’s been so long since we last played on the same court, I just feel bad that we lost.”