The San Miguel Beermen are doing relatively well in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, amassing a 3-1 record despite being plagued with injuries.
Their latest win on Wednesday even saw Marcio Lassiter, who had previously hurt his ankle, explode for 23 points against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Unfortunately, SMB’s superstar big man June Mar Fajardo got hurt during the contest.
The incident came in the third quarter, which halted the 6-foot-10 center’s production. The seven-time MVP tried to shake off the pain in the final frame but he only lasted four minutes. He ended up with 16 points and seven rebounds.
After the match, San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent provided an update on Fajardo’s situation.
“I think he can’t move his right hand,” Gallent disclosed.
But he expressed optimism, considering the extra days of rest that they're about to have.
“We’re very lucky that our next game is still on December 8. I’m very confident that his hand will be better. We have good physical therapists for that. They will take care of him,” Gallent added.
Aside from the towering Cebuano, San Miguel is also missing the services of Terrence Romeo (knee), Kyt Jimenez (eye), Jeron Teng (hamstring), and Vic Manuel (knee). When asked about the probability of their return on December 8, sans Manuel, Gallent gave a less positive response.
“I’m talking about all of them (Romeo, Jimenez, and Teng), I think (they'll be out for) two more weeks,” he said. “I think by December 15, they will be okay."
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As for Manuel, who underwent arthroscopic surgery earlier this month, Gallent said the Muscle Man would probably need six to eight more weeks to recover.
San Miguel’s opponent on December 8 will be the NorthPort Batang Pier.
(PM)