The Beermen are back at full strength with Fajardo’s return.
June Mar Fajardo made his presence felt right away when he returned for San Miguel Beermen in a 125-117 win over Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday.
The seven-time MVP, who suffered a hand injury back in November, finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. He missed the team’s last six games.
The 6-foot-10 behemoth later said that while there’s no pain whatsoever on his left hand, he needs to get his groove back.
“Okay naman. Medyo ano lang, kailangan lang ng kaunting laro pa,” he said after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Good thing he had a frontcourt partner in import Bennie Boatwright, who made a living from long range and ended up with 44 points on eight treys.
“Mas gumagaan ‘yung trabaho ko. Sana laging ganoon para hindi ako masyadong mabugbog,” said Fajardo when asked about his tandem with the prolific reinforcement.
Boatwright shared the exact same thing.
“He makes my job easy. He’s such a great passer,” he said.
The Beermen will enjoy a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals with an 8-3 record. Fajardo is hopeful they can sustain their fine play going into the playoffs.
“Thankful ako sa mga teammates ko, ganda ng nilaro nila, ganda ng streak namin. Sana magtuloy tuloy. Sana healthy na lahat pagdating sa playoffs,” he said.
(KA)