THE future of Philippine basketball won’t be at risk.
At least that’s according to San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria as he reiterated that the health of two-time reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, unanimously tagged as the best Filipino player today, is the most important thing—more important than even a possible championship in the 2015-16 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
At the moment, the Beermen are in a deep 0-2 hole against the Alaska Aces in their best-of-seven championship showdown, with Fajardo’s absence being sorely missed by the defending champions.
Still, Austria said that Fajardo’s health is of utmost concern.
“I don’t want to take a risk and have him play even if he’s not a hundred percent,’’ said Austria. ‘’June Mar’s (Fajardo) health is the most important thing for us.’’
Obviously being groomed to be one of the country’s resident star in future international competitions, Fajardo, who is suffering from a bruised and swollen left knee, needs to recuperate fully if he is to be one of the centerpieces of the Gilas Pilipinas National Team that will participate in the Olympic qualifier here in Manila this July.
Austria emphasized that Fajardo’s health and mobility for the long term is more important to Philippine Basketball, to San Miguel and to the MVP himself.
“The future of Philippine basketball is with June Mar especially in international competitions, kaya I really don’t want to take any risk kahit medyo hirap kami without him this championship,’’ quipped Austria.
“Hindi lang naman itong championship sa All-Filipino ang importante, but also his (Fajardo) health and long-term contributions pa both sa Philippine basketball and sa San Miguel. Kaya iyon ang tinitignan natin,’’ said Austria.
Amid reports that Fajardo might actually force himself to suit-up late in the finals series against the Aces, Austria said that he and management will not force things.
However, should Fajardo, who indicated in a report that he might actually suit up for Game 4 of the finals tomorrow at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, himself decides he can give it a go, that’s the only time that Austria can exercise the option of playing him.
“We will not force him to play. Unless lang talaga he forces himself kasi siya naman nakakaramdam niyan,’’ the two-time champion mentor said.