JM Ibarra plays through ankle injury at Star Magic games
MANILA, Philippines — Despite nursing a minor ankle injury, JM Ibarra still managed to deliver six points for Team Star Magic at the recent Star Magic All-Star Games held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
JM sustained the injury a week before the much-anticipated basketball game, limiting his ability to train and go all out on the court. He underwent physical therapy and eventually felt better ahead of the event.
Determined to make up for the practices he missed because of his work commitments, JM personally hired MBPL player Ian Pardo as his shooting coach just three days before the All-Star Games.
“Minsan kasi hindi ako nakapag-training dahil sa work. Kailangan ko talagang makahabol sa teammates ko,” JM explained.
Despite the setback, JM contributed two three-pointers, finishing with six points as Gerald Anderson’s Team Star Magic defeated GMMTV Thailand, 85-53.
JM played alongside Ronnie Alonte, Emilio Daez, River Joseph, Jeremiah Lisbo, Ashton Salvador, Argel Saycon, Elyson de Dios, Young JV, and Tristan Ramirez.
For JM, the game was more than just a basketball showdown. He said the event was a special opportunity for Star Magic and GMMTV Thailand fans to see their favorite stars compete against each other on the court.
“Importante talaga sa akin ang katatapos na All-Star Games kasi ngayon lang nabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga fans ng Star Magic artists at fans ng mga Thai actors na makita ang kanilang paboritong stars na magkalaban sa basketball,” JM said.
“Damang-dama ko ang suporta ng fans namin kaya nag-sikap talaga ako na gawin ang best ko,” he added.
The Mall of Asia Arena was filled with fans of both Star Magic and GMMTV Thailand, with JM and his love team partner Fyang Smith’s supporters among the most vocal.
JMFyang fans brought banners, mascots, and drums to show their support for the tandem.
“Ang dami at ang laki ng effort nila,” JM said.
“Paulit-ulit kong sasabihin at pangako namin ni Fyang sa fans namin na gagawin namin ang lahat para maibalik ang suporta nila,” he added.
JM, who was named Rookie of the Year at the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025, said he was happy to return to the court and play in front of his supporters.
“Lumaro ako para sa fans na pumunta para suportahan ako,” he said.
Meanwhile, JM and Fyang are currently filming the second season of their iWant series “Will You Fake Marry Me.”
RELATED: 'Hindi naman ako mahirap kiligin': Fyang Smith never fakes feelings for JM Ibarra
