Austria wants to see Fajardo play for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines -- San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria admitted pushing June Mar Fajardo to play for Gilas Pilipinas this year, but the chance of aggravating his already hurting left plantar fascia prevented the two-time PBA MVP from reinforcing the national team.

Austria, who came to watch the 62 rookies in the Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft Camp on Wednesday, has no doubt that Fajardo could have easily made an impact if he joined Gilas this year.

"Sabi ko nga sa kanya na shoo-in na siya sa Gilas, pero ang problema nga lang daw eh baka ma-aggravate yung injury niya," Austria said.

Though basketball fans started to be skeptical on the 6-foot-10 San Miguel star center's condition, Austria came to his big man's defense, saying Fajardo was actually taking pain killer before the game during the Governors Cup playoffs.

"Actually, mina-manage lang talaga ng mga PT namin yung left plantar fascia ni June Mar. Parati nya nga ina-ice yun. Eh yung baka gusto mag-champion kaya mukhang di halatang masakit dahil nagga-gamot siya," explained Austria, who steered the Beermen to championships in the Phillipine Cup and Governors Cup last season.

But if he would have his way, Austria said he would like to see his prized center play for Gilas anew, knowing that another stint with the national stint would also be beneficial for the Beermen.

In fact, the San Miguel coach cited that since returning from a stint in last year's Fiba World Cup in Seville, Spain, Fajardo came back with greater confidence, which proved huge as San Miguel dominated the league last season.

"Kung ako eh, gusto ko siyang makita sa national team dahil after ng Gilas niya last year, malaki ang nabago sa performance niya sa team," he added.

The former University of Cebu standout capped his third season as a pro with solid numbers of 17.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on the way to capturing his second MVP trophy, along with spots in the Mythical First Team and All-Defensive team, two Best Player awards and Finals MVP in the Governors Cup.