June Mar Fajardo likely to rejoin SMB in clash vs Blackwater

June Mar Fajardo could make a playing return for San Miguel on Friday against Meralco. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--With a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals still within reach, help could come San Miguel's way.

Coach Jorge Gallent said on Sunday that June Mar Fajardo is just a clearance away from rejoining the team as soon as its last elimination round game against Blackwater on Friday night.

"June Mar's doing good. He's recovering well, and I think if the doctor gives him a go signal, I think he can play in our last game against Blackwater. So we will see what the doctor says about June Mar," Gallent said after the Beermen's blowout win against the Terrafirma Dyip at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fajardo, who was leading in the Best Player of the Conference race early into the Commissioner's Cup, suffered a fractured metacarpal in SMB's game against Rain Or Shine last November and missed the Beermen's next five games.

Fajardo's absence prompted SMB to make an import change, bringing in Bennie Boatwright for additional ceiling to replace Ivan Aska, who plays more of an undersized forward.

Fajardo was reactivated for the Beermen-Dyip game but did not play at all, extending his break to six matches.

Fajardo's return could be timely as Rodney Brondial sprained his ankle during the game, although Gallent hopes it is not that serious.

"Rodney goes to rest his foot and June Mar comes in. That's very good for our team. At least June Mar's coming back. I really don't know about Rodney because I haven't spoken to him, but in case he's injured, I just hope it's very minor," Gallent further said.

A win against Blackwater will seal the Top 4 incentive for SMB, and the latter could go to as high as the second seed depending on the other results.

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