Gilas stint dims as Fajardo reports to SMB practice overweight

MANILA, Philippines -- San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said he’s taking things easy for two-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo for the next few days as the Beermen begin their preparation to defend their Philippine Cup title next season.

Austria explained that the 6-foot-10 Fajardo reported for the team’s first practice on Wednesday overweight, limiting the San Miguel star center’s movement as he only participated on shooting drills.

“Di na muna namin siya (Fajardo) sinabay sa practice. Bale nagpa-release lang siya saka rehab lang ng paa kasi medyo tumaba siya, unlike last season nung dumating siya eh maganda at trim siya,” Austria told Philstar.com after the team’s first official practice at the Acropolis gym in Libis, Quezon City.

With Fajardo still out of shape and still recovering from plantar fascia injuries on both feet, chances of seeing the former University of Cebu standout reinforce Gilas Pilipinas for next month’s Fiba-Asia men’s championships in China has dimmed.

Austria said Fajardo himself, was a bit jittery during the first day of practice, aware that a misstep could only aggravate the injuries he had since the elimination round of the Governors Cup last season.

“Medyo kinakabahan pa siya kasi nga baka ma-aggravate lang yung injuries niya,” added the former PBA Rookie of the Year, who guided San Miguel to two championships last season.

The 57-year-old Austria said he expects the players to shake off their fats from a long offseason break in the next two weeks as they slowly go through their conditioning program.