MANILA — June Mar Fajardo will miss the entire PBA Philippine Cup as he injured his right leg during practice on Monday night.
San Miguel confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the 6-foot-10 center will sit out the first conference of the upcoming 2020 season.
“San Miguel Beermen center June Mar Fajardo suffered a complete fracture on his right tibia during a team practice last February 3,” the team stated. “He was immediately brought to a hospital, where assessment on the extent of his injury and initial treatment were made.”
The team, however, clarified that Fajardo underwent successful surgery last February 4 and will be scheduled “to go through post-operation rehabilitation to allow him to recover at the soonest possible time.”
The initial extent of his layoff put a dent on the Beermen’s hopes of clinching a sixth consecutive Philippine Cup title.
They added, though, that Fajardo would be sidelined indefinitely, hinting that his break in action could go longer than expected.
The Beermen added that “June Mar, for his part, is also saddened that he may not be able to join any upcoming international competitions,” which could mean that he may miss the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas Men in November.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas already excluded him from the pool for the first window later this month, explaining, “At this stage, we believe that he deserves the extended break.”
Meanwhile, San Miguel assured that the team is committed “to ensuring that June Mar will get the best medical care.”
San Miguel will open its Philippine Cup campaign right on opening night on March 1 against Magnolia in an early rematch of last year’s finals.
Before that, the Leo Awards will take place, where Fajardo is nominated for last season’s Most Valuable Player award. (PNA)
