Austria won't risk 'future of PHL basketball' June Mar Fajardo in Game 3

San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria will not gamble playing June Mar Fajardo in Game Three of the best-of-seven Philippine Cup finals against Alaska on Friday despite being down 0-2 in the series.

The 6-foot-10 center hurt his left knee in Game Six of their semifinals duel with Rain or Shine last week, and already missed the first two skirmishes in the finals.

While the Beermen could definitely use their dominant big man back, Austria said he will not take chances with the recurring swelling in Fajardo's left knee.

"The way I see it, he's not hundred percent. And playing not hundred percent in this situation, I think he won't help the team. But I'm sure he will try," Austria said Tuesday after their 83-80 loss in Game Two.

The coach said Fajardo's health is important for the team and the management, especially as the 26-year-old still has more years in his basketball career.

Another concern is The Kraken's stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Olympic qualifiers in July, which the country was chosen as one of the hosts.

"I don't want to take any risk dahil the future of Philippine basketball is with June Mar especially in the international competition," Austria said.

Fajardo's anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament are intact according to MRI results and no surgery is needed, but the coach has chosen the side of caution.

With Game Three to be held out of town in Lucena City, it is probably for the best as the Cebuano slotman will need all the rest he can get for a speedy recovery.

"We will not force him to play unless he's forcing himself dahil siya ang nakakaramdam e," Austria said. —JST, GMA News