June Mar all set for return

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer is ready to release “The Kraken” again next week.

According to SMB coach Jorge Gallent, seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo will only miss one more game before his reactivation at the close of their elims slate and in time for the playoffs push.

“June Mar is coming back when we play Blackwater on Jan. 12,” Gallent said on CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk.

Fajardo has been out of commission since sustaining a metacarpal fracture in SMB’s 115-110 victory over Rain or Shine last Nov. 29. The injury, fortunately, didn’t require surgery and the Cebuano gentle giant just needed time for his left hand to heal.

With the 6-foot-10 Fajardo in sick bay, the Beermen lost two games then bounced back with three straight victories en route to a 6-3 win-loss card and a legit shot at Top 4 position and twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Fajardo will sit it out when SMB resumes its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Sunday versus also-ran Terrafirma. His return five days later will be a big boost with the playoffs race heating up.

Gallent said they expect JMF to have little problem getting back in form.

“When he got injured, he’s always lifting weights naman so that he won’t get out of shape, which is very good news for us,” he said.

Fajardo averaged 19.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3 assists in four outings prior to his sidelining.