IT seems like Gilas Pilipinas just couldn’t get a break in terms of health.
Just in its second week of full-length preparation for the FIBA Qualifying Tournament, another member of the National Pool was sidelined during its practice sessions Thursday.
His name? Two-time Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.
Fajardo sat out Gilas’ last practice as he rested his swollen right knee.
The injury, according to reports, isn’t considered a serious one, but it still forced Fajardo to sit out and have it checked by his doctors.
The injury added up to the growing number of Gilas casualties, namely Greg Slaughter, Matt Ganuelas Rosser and Paul Lee, all of whom were already ruled out of a national team stint, along with Jeff Chan, who is still nursing a sore shoulder but is expected to join the team anytime soon.
The good news for Gilas is that its energy bunny is back in practice.
After taking a week-long break following the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals, Alaska superstar Calvin Abueva is back at the helm and is currently providing his trademark energy during Gilas’ training.
The Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference assumed his role as arguably the team’s most versatile player.
The Gilas pool is composed of young stars, led by Bobby Ray Parks, son of the late 7-time PBA “Best Import” Bobby Parks, Russel Escoto, Mark Belo, Kevin Ferrer, Roger Pogoy and Kiefer Ravena.
The veterans in the team include Japeth Aguilar, Moala Tautuaa, Troy Rosario, Marcio Lassiter, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo, Terrence Romeo, Marc Pingris, Gabe Norwood, LA Tenorio and Jayson Castro.
The Qualifying Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila is slated in July.