San Miguel Beer coach Jorge Gallent is not forcing his big man June Mar Fajardo to log in heavy minutes after just recovering from a calf injury that he sustained during the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup finals last month.
Now-healthy, Fajardo saw action in the Beermen’s title-retention bid debut in the Philippine Cup last Friday, putting up solid numbers of 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in their 109-97 win over Rain or Shine at the Smart Araneta Coliseum late Friday.
He, however, came off the bench with Mo Tautuaa taking the starting role at the center. Fajardo played for 24 minutes and 57 seconds.
Gallent said Fajardo’s playing time would depend on how Tautuaa will fare inside the court.
Tautuaa played for almost 20 minutes and contributed seven points, six rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block.
“It really depends on Mo. Mo really played well today. He will get his minutes. If Mo plays well then Mo will stay on the court,” Gallent said.
“It just really depends on the other substitutes for June Mar.”
Fajardo got the green light to play from his doctors last 8 March.
“I guess I just need to work on my conditioning. So far, it’s okay now,” the seven-time PBA Most Valuable Player said.
“I’m doing great with my recovery. I was able to get a good rest,” the 34-year-old Fajardo added.
Fajardo hurt his calf in Game 4 of the championship series against Magnolia. He played through pain in the next two games to help the Beermen clinch the title.
“He just forced himself to play Games 5 and 6. Hats off to him. He really is a true professional. He’s hurt but he plays because he knows he’s a big factor to this team. That’s what’s good about him,” Gallent said praising his prized player.
His injury forced Fajardo to sit out Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the opening window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier. He still joined the team in their matches against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.
While under load management, Fajardo is confident Tautuaa would be able to hold the line as he works his way back to peak form.
