June Mar Fajardo's Injury: The Implication

The San Miguel Beermen are heading to the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup with the usual expectation that they would, again, win it all. After all, they arguably have the best all-Filipino line-up in the modern PBA that is bannered by June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and Alex Cabagnot. Don't forget about Terrence Romeo, Von Pessumal, Paul Zamar, and new guy Russell Escoto. The Beermen are gunning for their sixth consecutive all-Filipino championship as they are scheduled to open the Philippine Cup against last year's Philippine Cup runner-up, the Magnolia Hotshots. 

However, the Beermen's path towards another championship may be tougher than how anyone expects it to be. Why?

After sustaining what sources are saying as recurring shin injury during a practice, June Mar Fajardo will be out of action indefinitely with sources even saying that he could be out for the entire Philippine Cup.  Or worse, it could be longer than the all-Filipino conference.

We are talking about the same injury that took the five-time PBA MVP out of action for two months during the 2018 Governors' Cup which doomed the Beermen's championship aspiration during the said conference. If that is the case with this injury, then Coach Leo Austria will be facing a major headache. 

The Kraken's injury will mean that Moala Tautuaa, who was acquired from the Christian Standhardinger trade last year, will inherit the starting spot at the center position and it will mean that Billy Mamaril will have to step up as Tautuaa's back-up. Ronald Tubid is now listed as a free agent which means that the Beermen just lost another experienced veteran who is also a proven winner. 

If June Mar Fajardo is to miss the entire Philippine Cup, what does this mean for the Beermen and their hopes for a six-peat?

The Beermen will miss Fajardo's 18-point, 13-rebound, and 1-block per game averages during the 2019 Governors' Cup that saw him led the statistical points with 39.6 SP. San Miguel's defense runs through the Kraken which will mean that the defense of the Beermen will be more vulnerable to inside attacks from opponents. Sure, Moala Tautuaa can score from the three-point line but as a defender that's the challenge for Tautuaa,

Given that Tautuaa and Mamaril are the Beermen's centers as of the moment, they will need all the help that they can find. While Moala Tautuaa can put up big numbers, he isn't in no way, at the same level as of June Mar Fajardo. The Beermen may look into the free agency or, may consider trading for an additional body for the center position.  

Question: Will Fajardo's injury mean that San Miguel cannot go for a six-peat?

Answer: Not necessarily. 

Photo is from Rappler