June Mar still in pain, doubtful starter anew

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria would rather lose the championship series to Alaska than put Junmar Fajardo’s playing career at risk.

 Austria said he would not play Fajardo if he’s not ready.

“Junmar visited Doc Canlas (renowned orthopedic surgeon Raul Canlas yesterday morning). Doc Canlas maintained Junmar’s ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament) are intact,” said Austria.

“But we have to wait for the pain and swelling to subside. Once the swelling subsides and Junmar can wear a brace, he can probably come back by Friday or Sunday,” Austria added.

Fajardo still felt some pain on his left knee yesterday, making him a doubtful starter again in today’s Game Two of the PBA Philippine Cup finals against the Aces.

Minus Fajardo, the Beermen are missing his averages of 26.7 points and 14.9 rebounds.

But even if he misses the entire finals, Fajardo remains a cinch to win the Best Player of the Conference award.