Junemar Fajardo is scheduled to return to play in Binan. Dennis Acosta |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--Coach Leo Austria gave a glimpse that he is set to give Junemar Fajardo the green light to play when he had him in his San Miguel uniform on Wednesday night against NorthPort at the Cuneta Astrodome, although he opted to sit him out the entire game eventually as his targeted return is on Saturday night against Rain Or Shine.
Still, the 6-foot-10 big man looks forward to his return with optimism considering how his recuperation from a right shin stress fracture is progressing.
"Sana tuluy-tuloy na mag-fully healed na," Fajardo told reporters. "Sa ngayon, need kong ma-kundisyon para makatulong ako sa team."
"The Kraken" went into swimming and, more recently, cycling during his recovery time, and while he is still listed as "day-to-day", Austria is all set on formally reactivating him for the crucial match to be held at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, although in a very limited playing time.
While he is expected to be "medyo rusty" come Saturday night, Fajardo vowed, "Try ko yung best ko. Ibibigay ko pa rin kung ano yung nilaro ko. Gagawin ko pa rin yun."
However, expect him to play more of a facilitator than the usual inside scoring threat that he has been.
"Sa opensa, more on passing muna. Kakabalik ko lang din," Fajardo continued.
Good thing the Beermen still don't lack offensive presence as they have explosive import Kevin Murphy and local gunners Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter, and Arwind Santos in their fold as well as the shock troopers that could help shut the door on the Elasto Painters' playoff hopes.
"Masaya ako na makalaro uli yung mga teammates ko sa court," Fajardo continued.
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