MANILA, Philippines – Kinumpirma ni Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas kamakalawa na may bilateral plantar fasciitis si San Miguel Beer center JuneMar Fajardo sa kanyang dalawang paa at ito raw ang dahilan kaya hindi puwedeng lumaro ang reigning PBA-MVP sa Gilas Pilipinas sa FIBA Asia Championships sa Changsha sa susunod na buwan.
“JuneMar’s not 100 percent,” sabi ni Dr. Canlas. “According to his agent (lawyer Baldomero Estenzo), he’s undergoing therapy in Cebu. You remember, last March, JuneMar didn’t play in the PBA All-Star Game in Puerto Princesa because of a sprained left ankle, aggravating his plantar fasciitis. So there’s a history. He needs rest. No surgery is required unless there is a tear. What we’re concerned about is an aggravation of the injury because it could lead to a tear.”
Sinabi ni San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria na gusto talagang maglaro Fajardo sa Gilas pero hindi puwede dahil sa kanyang injury. “JuneMar told me he really wants to play with Gilas,” ani Austria. “But with both feet hurting, he knows he won’t be able to play his best. He thought it would be better if he takes a rest, gets better and allows somebody else to take his place in the team. It would be unfair if he takes a spot in the lineup and he wouldn’t be able to play the way he can.”
Sinabi ni Austria na hindi pinigilan ng San Miguel Group ang kanilang mga player na lumaro sa Gilas. Idinagdag din niyang sa Governor’s Cup pa lang ay iniinda na ni Fajardo ang kanyang injury. (QH)