Big men Fajardo, Slaughter back for SMB, NorthPort practices

Two giants have finally made a comeback to the PBA hardwood.

In a video released by the league, June Mar Fajardo was seen training with the San Miguel Beermen today in Batangas City in what would be his first trip to a full physical training since his injury back in February 2020.

The ‘Kraken’ will join a rejigged team that is raring to improve a 2020 Philippine Cup quarterfinals finish. He will also boost the core of Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter.

They will also have the services of CJ Perez, whom they acquired from Terrafirma last February.

Meanwhile, Greg Slaughter was also spotted attending a scrimmage with NorthPort yesterday at the Batangas City Sports Center since being traded last March from Ginebra in exchange for Chrsitian Standhardinger.

Slaughter’s blockbuster trade came on the heels of his sabbatical, which he took in February 2020. And although the 7-foot bruiser is still showing some signs of rust, NorthPort head coach is confident that Slaughter could adjust well come the games.

“Medyo kinakalawang lang siya pero kaya naman,” Jarencio told GMA News Online.

“Wala ka pang makikita. Hintayin na lang natin pag nagtuloy-tuloy na ‘yung training. Ang importante, present sila. Healthy lahat.”

Aside from the Beermen and the Batang Pier, also beginning their training today are Rain or Shine, Alaska, Blackwater, and Phoenix. —JMB, GMA News