Fajardo starts practicing with Beermen despite on and off pain

MANILA, Philippines -- San Miguel Beer’s star center June Mar Fajardo could still feel pain on both feet due to plantar fasciitis, but believes he’ll be ready when the PBA kicks off its 41st season two Sundays from now at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-10 Fajardo said he has been joining the Beermen’s practice the past weeks, though coach Leo Austria has opted to sit out the two-time league MVP in its preseason matches.

“On and off pero may kirot lang yung plantar, kasi yung dalawa (feet) eh sumasakit. Pero mina-manage lang,” Fajardo told Philstar.com, shortly after San Miguel engaged sister team Star in a 97-97 count in their preseason game on Saturday at Ronac gym.

Fajardo said except last weekend when he was under the weather, he has been doing well in practice as he tries to get his timing back after the team’s long offseason break.

“Sumasabay na ako halos sa buong practice,” he added.

The 26-year-old former University of Cebu standout said the schedule is favorable for him and the team since the Beermen won’t see action in the season-opening Philippine Cup till Oct. 24 when they face the GlobalPort Batang Pier in Davao.

“Maging healthy lang, yun ang importante saka iwas lang sa injury,” said the pride of Pinamungahan, Cebu, who averaged a career-best 17.4 points, to go along with 12.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks last season.

So far, San Miguel is dealing with an assortment of injuries, just eight days into the opening of the new PBA season.

Sharp-shooter Marcio Lassiter is still nursing hamstring injury while playmaker Chris Ross is also recovering from a knee injury, according to Austria.

Expectations remain high though for the Beermen, who captured the Philippine Cup and Governors Cup championships last season behind their impressive 37-17 win-loss record.