For San Miguel Beermen fans holding their breath after seeing main man June Mar Fajardo in street clothes on Tuesday, you may breathe easy now.
The nine‑time MVP assured everyone that the injury that kept him out of San Miguel’s 123‑109 win over the Macau Giant Pandas—a hyperextended right elbow—is nothing to worry about.
What Happened to June Mar Fajardo?
June Mar Fajardo missed San Miguel’s opening game in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Tuesday as he continued to nurse his right elbow, which he said got hyperextended in Gilas Pilipinas’ 92‑49 loss to Australia in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
It turns out the injury was severe enough to keep the big man out of Beermen practice—and sideline him against Macau. San Miguel, though, hardly felt Fajardo’s absence thanks in part to Rodney Brondial’s monstrous 10‑point, 25‑rebound double‑double that he spiked with 7 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block.
Nothing to Worry About, Fajardo Assures
While it is natural to worry about the health and fitness of a now 36‑year‑old with heavy mileage, the man himself said the injury is not something that will keep him out for a prolonged period. In fact, he already has a return date in mind: Saturday, when the Beermen take on the Terrafirma Dyip.
“Nothing serious naman,” he quipped. “OK naman ako. Pahinga lang,” said the gentle giant from Cebu. “Sali na ako sa next practice. And baka maglaro na ako sa Sabado.”
Still, Fajardo’s timeframe remains a fluid situation, according to San Miguel lead assistant Peter Martin. The longtime San Miguel assistant pointed out that Fajardo’s elbow does not look fully healed yet, which means the Beermen will not risk it by rushing the big man back.
“Nung hinawakan ko [elbow] siya, medyo hindi pa ano talaga, pang‑pilit,” he said. “Hindi pa sure [against Terrafirma]. Pero hoping tayo na makabalik siya.”
Crucially, Martin’s account is a bit different from Fajardo’s. But at least the Cebuano behemoth is feeling good about it all.
