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| SMB head coach Leo Austria. Photo: ESPN. |
Fajardo first suffered the injury in the Philippine Cup semifinals against Barangay Ginebra and has been dealing with it since. Despite the setback, the eight-time PBA MVP continued to suit up both for San Miguel and for the national team, even as the discomfort limited his performance. Gilas ended the continental tournament in seventh place after bowing out to Australia.
June Mar played through the entire PBA semifinals, finals and the FIBA Asia Cup with still a hurting calf according to coach Leo Austria. 🤕
— SPIN.ph (@spinph) August 21, 2025
Now the eight-time MVP is getting his much deserved rest ahead of their title defense #PBA50 https://t.co/zmMo3XjMwx
Austria emphasized that while fans questioned Fajardo’s showing in the Asia Cup, the big man’s dedication cannot be doubted. “Kapag tinatawag siya ng Gilas, he never says no. Ever since, he always answers the call for the country,” Austria said.
The San Miguel mentor added that Fajardo was far from his best form during the tournament. “He hasn’t been 100 percent since our series against Ginebra. He couldn’t practice with us regularly and focused on therapy for his leg. We didn’t want to risk aggravating the injury,” he explained.
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| SMB superstar June Mar Fajardo (15) during the recent PBA Philippine Cup Finals. Photo: PBA Images. |
The toll was evident even off the court. Austria recalled that after San Miguel clinched its 10th PBA title in July against TNT, Fajardo missed the team’s fan celebration due to swelling in his leg that made it difficult for him to walk. Still, just days later, the Cebuano giant reported to Gilas training, managing only limited participation until two days before the Asia Cup.
In the tournament, Fajardo averaged just five points and three rebounds across five games, a noticeable dip from his usual dominant numbers.
“Sana hindi seryoso.” 🙏
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 25, 2025
The San Miguel Beermen hold their breath as eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo nurses a calf injury, right in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.#PBASeason49 #PBAAngatAngLabanhttps://t.co/B6l6VIVyZu pic.twitter.com/oQBxLFBF1G
Now, with the Beermen set to regroup for their title defense in the upcoming PBA 50th season, Austria said the team will prioritize giving their cornerstone center the time he needs to recover fully. “I’m really concerned, but I know June Mar. Even if he’s not practicing with the team, he makes sure to keep himself in condition,” Austria assured.
The long break before the new season offers Fajardo a chance to finally heal and return to top form, both for San Miguel and for future Gilas campaigns.