'Gusto ko magpahinga': Banged-up June Mar a question mark for Gilas in FIBA Asia

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin has been vocal about his plans to put San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo at the heart of the national team's FIBA Asia campaign along with naturalized big man Andray Blatche.

 

The 6-foot-10 slotman from Cebu has been playing in top form in the recently concluded PBA Governors' Cup, winning his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award as he led the Beermen to two championship titles this season.

 

With his dominance in the league, fans have been ready to pin their hopes on The Kraken for the Philippines' campaign for a ticket to the 2016 Olympics. Shortly into the post-season, however, Fajardo revealed that he is suffering from a plantar fascia injury on both feet.

 

"Nananakit na nga e," he said just a day after celebrating SMB's 21st franchise championship in the victory party for fans. "Gusto ko muna magpahinga."

 

Fajardo, however, said he is not closing his doors to another tour of duty with the national team despite his injury.

 

"Kung tatawagin," he said when asked if he is willing to don the national colors once more. "Bugbog na bugbog na nga ako e, pero paghahandaan naman natin 'yun e. Tiwala lang sa sarili."

 

Baldwin, meanwhile, said he is yet to learn of the matter with a few days to go before the expected announcement of the members of the Gilas pool.

 

"I have no information about this so I have no comment at this time," he told GMA News Online in a text message. —JST, GMA News