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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Fajardo is smiling again

Fajardo is smiling again

Published Aug 31, 2021 04:03 pm

Photo from PBA

San Miguel Beer had a simple bonding time late last week after the players were done with their weights session, and there was one thing that caught the attention of coach Leo Austria.

June Mar Fajardo is smiling again.

“Napansin ko na ngumi-ngiti na si June Mar, nakikipag-biruan na siya sa mga teammates niya and sa mga coaches,” said Austria in a phone interview Tuesday, Aug. 31 with Manila Bulletin.

“Malaking bagay yun after what happened sa mother niya. Kilala naman natin si June Mar na palabiro din at masiyahin. So yung makita na naka-ngiti na siya, sa akin maganda yun kasi part ng recovery niya yun.”

The team arrived in Pampanga early last week to start their practice session in preparation for the PBA’s return. It was last Friday when Austria said they had their team dinner together which turned out to be bonding time for the players and the coaches.

Austria said Fajardo was more relaxed, and that seeing the 6-foot-10 veteran smiling again is a good sign that he is moving on in life after the passing of his mother Marites last Aug. 11 in Cebu.

According to Austria, the entire SMB team continues to support Fajardo since they consider each other family.

“Iisa kaming pamilya, so kami nandito kami no matter what for June Mar, for each other. Damayan sa isa’t isa. Hindi ba’t sa San Miguel ‘Iba ang may pinagsamahan’ kaya totoo yun para sa team namin,” he said.

The six-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) is expected to play a vital role in SMB’s title campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup, which will resume today at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.

San Miguel is currently at No. 4 spot with a 3-1 card, and will face winless Terrafirma Dyip at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Related Tags

Leo Austria SMB San Miguel Beer June Mar Fajardo Philippine Cup basketball MVP pba
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