Unleashing the kraken

June Mar Fajardo is slowly getting back into competitive form, with just a few days left before action in the 33rd FIBA Asia Cup erupts in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The 6-foot-10 center joined Gilas Pilipinas’ second practice session of the team’s build-up for the 5 to 17 August regional tournament after skipping Day 1 of training to rest his still stiff calf muscles.

Fajardo allayed fears about his availability in the Filipinos’ campaign to end a 40-year title drought by running and making shots during practice Friday.

Gilas head coach Tim Cone had earlier expressed concerns about the uncertainty of Fajardo’s return to active duty due to a calf injury he suffered during San Miguel Beer’s title run in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

Fajardo, along with TNT forward Calvin Oftana, did not suit up in Gilas’ send-off match against the Macau Black Bears.

Oftana, who sprained both his ankles in the Tropang 5G’s foiled grand slam bid, participated in the team’s first practice shortly after Gilas left Manila late Wednesday.

But with Fajardo back, Cone can now focus on integrating him into the system with just three more days before Gilas opens its bid to capture the elusive crown.

“I’m okay. Taking it day by day. I’m just managing the tightness. Hopefully, I’ll get to join full practice,” the eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player said.

Gilas is expected to field the 12-time PBA Best Player of the Conference against Jordan in its last tune-up match being played as of press time.

Fajardo averaged 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists in his four games in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

His towering presence is vital to help Gilas get past the preliminary stage, where the Filipinos will take on Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and Iraq in Group D.

Gilas Pilipinas program director Alfrancis Chua lauded Fajardo’s dedication to heed the nation’s call despite hurting.

“June Mar is a very nice guy. He knows his obligations. He didn’t join practice yesterday. When I asked him if he’s okay, he said he’s okay and just took some rest,” Chua said.

“Of course, he’s playing almost the whole game, same as CJ (Perez). Then after arriving here, it’s back to training. He’s very dedicated. I think he knows that we really need him. The team needs him. Gilas needs him. The Philippines needs him. And the Filipinos really want to see him play,” he added.

Chua also expressed admiration for Fajardo’s mentality and unquestionable heart.

“June Mar doesn’t want to see his teammates down, especially the management and the team,” Chua said.

“It happened during the Asian Games when we lost many players. The question there was, “Should we just quit? But he said, ‘No let’s go and fight.’ That’s why we flew to China to play. June Mar really has a different mentality and fighting spirit,” Chua added as he recalled Gilas’ gold medal conquest in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Gilas will take on the Taiwanese on 6 August before going up against the Tall Blacks on the 8th. The team then ends the group stage against Iraq on 10 August.