Powering through a calf issue, June Mar Fajardo finally joined the Gilas Pilipinas practice as the Filipinos ramp up their preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Slowly but surely, June Mar Fajardo is gradually finding his physical form.
After missing the first Gilas practice, Fajardo finally joined the second day of training session in their FIBA Asia Cup build-up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Albeit feeling some tightness in his calf, the Kraken showed up in a positive development for head coach Tim Cone and his wards amidst a critical juncture in tournament preparations.
“Okay naman ako. Day-by-day ['yung status ko]. Sana makapag full practice na ko bukas and [sana] magtuloy-tuloy,” Fajardo said.
Cone earlier expressed concerns about the veteran big man’s health, saying the eight-time MVP "hasn’t really been able to get into practice yet."
“We’re not sure how much he’ll contribute, but just his presence on the court instills fear in the other teams. It’s important that he’s here,” Cone said.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone shares updates on Calvin Oftana, June Mar Fajardo for FIBA Asia Cup]
Powering through the issue, Fajardo quickly eased those concerns as was seen running on the court and making shots during practice.
SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua praised Fajardo for his unwavering dedication.
“He knows na kailangan namin siya. Kailangan siya ng Pilipinas. At tsaka, gusto siya ng mga Pilipino na makita maglaro,” Chua said.
“He knows na kailangan namin siya. Kailangan siya ng Pilipinas. At tsaka, gusto siya ng mga Pilipino na makita siya maglaro,” Chua said.
Coming off a six-game Philippine Cup Finals series against TNT Tropang 5G, Fajardo did not suit up, along with Calvin Oftana, for Gilas’ send-off game against the Macau Black Bears or the team’s first practice in Jeddah.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone banks on early adjustment to boost Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup]
Chua also highlighted Fajardo’s mentality of never letting his teammates down, a quality that has impressed even San Miguel Corp. big boss Ramon S. Ang.
“Imagine naka-ilang MVP na 'yan, ilang awards na nakukuha niya pero ganoon pa rin siya. Kaya ‘yung mga teammates niya na nagre-relax, mahihiya na hindi maglaro or hindi magsakripisyo. Saludo talaga kami diyan. Even si boss RSA (Ramon S. Ang) bilib na bilib diyan,” he added.
Gilas Pilipinas only have three days left to prepare before their opening match against Chinese Taipei on August 6.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Gilas Pilipinas compete at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup]