Estenzo: Fajardo in no-win situation

CEBU, Philippines – Much as his prized ward wanted to play for Gilas Pilipinas, highly esteemed Cebuano sportsman Baldomero "Merong' C. Estenzo said June Mar Fajardo finds himself in a no-win situation and that the decision of the Cebuano hoop star not to play for the Philippine squad serves the best interest not only of himself and the ballclub he represents but also of the country.

Estenzo, a topnotch lawyer who helps chart the career of Fajardo even during his struggling days as varsity of the University of Cebu Webmasters, came to the defense of the San Miguel Beer stalwart, who raised some eyebrows following his withdrawal from the national team that is scrambling for an Olympics berth via the FIBA Asia Cup set to start on September 23 in Changsa-Hunan, China.

"I told him not to force things up because if he decides to play, it's unfair to Gilas because he can't give his best because of his injury. It's also unfair to San Miguel Beer because he might no longer be productive to the team [if ever his injury will be aggravated]. Above all, it's unfair to him because it might shorten his playing years. Fajardo is in a no-win situation," said Estenzo. "He is still young and he must always look at the best interest of his future."

On his end, the 25-year-old Fajardo said he is really longing to be part of Gilas again, but a plantar fascilitis injuries on both his feet, which need a long rest to heal, prevented him from reinforcing the national team.

According to Mayo Clinic, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

"I really wanted to play for Gilas, but my injury prevented me from doing so. To those who are not happy with my decision, I hope for their understanding. My decision is based on what I think is the best not only for me, but for all concerned," said Fajardo.

San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria, himself a victim of plantar fasciitis during his PBA career, confirmed that Fajardo had been dealing with his injuries a few months back and that his big man was actually taking pain killers before the game during the Governors Cup playoffs.

"I know that there are a lot of bashers out there, but I am comforted by the thought that you cannot please everybody. What matters most for me now is that what I'm doing is for the good of everybody. I'm advised by my doctors to take a rest and undergo a rehab and that's what I have to take," added Fajardo, moments after tendering a Thanskgiving party yesterday at the Estenzo compound along Hernan Cortes Street in Mandaue City.

The 'Gentle Giant' from Pinamungajan, Cebu was with his parents and the apple of his eye, former UAAP champion Ateneo Lady Eagles blocker Aerieal Patnongon.

Meanwhile, Fajardo has not yet re-signed with San Miguel, but that is something the 6-foot-10, 370-pound giant looks forward to in the next few weeks.

As for the the challenge of San Miguel Corporation president Ramon Ang for the Beermen to go all the way for a grandslam feat after clinching back-to-back championships, Fajardo offers a sound reply."Winning a grandslam is easier said and done. It is something that we should strive and work hard for. Having said that, my wish for the team as we gear up for the next PBA season is for all us to be healthy so we can play better and hopefully achieve that goal."

Considered as the future of Philippine basketball, Fajardo completed his third season as a pro with solid numbers of 17.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on the way to claiming 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. (FREEMAN)