San Miguel Beermen’s franchise player, June Mar Fajardo, suffered a terrible knee injury that could sideline him for weeks. SMB’s team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed that Fajardo was diagnosed with a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury following an in-game knee collision. Earlier this month, Fajardo and the Beermen faced the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week. Just a few seconds after checking into the game, the Filipino superstar’s knee collided with Ryukyu import Jack Cooley. Fajardo was limping and was subbed out of the game.
Is Fajardo not playing in the PBA Governor’s Cup playoffs?
SMB’s team manager, Gee Abanilla, confirmed June Mar Fajardo’s injury and the possible timeline for The Kraken’s return.“MCL Grade 3 and will be out for about six weeks depending on how he responds to his rehab,” Abanilla shared.
With the PBA Governor’s Cup playoffs are about to kick off next week and may conclude by May. That being said, with his MCL injury, June Mar Fajardo may possibly miss the playoffs this year. Although, he will be re-evaluated every two weeks by their team’s physician.
The San Miguel Beermen are currently on the third seed (7-2) but still have two games remaining. They will be facing the NLEX Road Warriors tomorrow (March 15) and then the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters two days after (March 17). If the Beermen keep their spot, they will be in a twice-to-beat advantage which could give them a boost during the playoffs. With the absence of Fajardo, it’s up to Mo Tautuaa, Vic Manual, and Rodney Brondial to man the paint. San Miguel Beermen is looking to win another championship to add to their 28 trophies.
Meanwhile, Fajardo could also miss the chance to represent the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup
His MCL injury could not only pose a great threat to his PBA career but could also compromise his Gilas Pilipinas endeavors. The Kraken was supposed to be part of Gilas for their gold hunt in the upcoming SEA games in Cambodia. But, with his current injury, he may be forced to sit this one out.
Furthermore, the Gilas Pilipinas is also set to return to the international stage in August for the main event of the FIBA World Cup. Again, there is no telling if Fajardo is already healthy at that time. Let’s just hope the 33-year-old big man recovers as soon as he can.
To give you something positive, Team USA was reportedly going to play in the Philippines for the FIBA World Cup group stage
Filipino fans, this is what you have all been dreaming of! The FIBA World Cup group stage is just a few months away, and along with that is some fantastic news. FIBA announced that the three co-hosts of the 2023 FIBA Basketball WC – Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines – have already chosen which international team will play in their own countries. FIBA confirmed earlier this week that the USA National team would showcase their talents in the pearl of the orient seas, the Philippines.
Will Team USA play against Gilas Pilipinas?
Unfortunately, that would not happen. Team USA and Gilas Pilipinas will be in different groups thus they will not be meeting each other. But, there is some good news for you. Since the Philippines is a hosting country, they will be automatically placed in Pot 1 for the 32-team draw. The lottery will take place on April 29, 2023, and will be held in Manila.
Prayers up to the Cebuano superstar. Will June Mar Fajardo make it just in time to help the Beermen in the playoffs? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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