PBA: June Mar Fajardo injury similar to Paul George, Gordon Hayward

The San Miguel Beermen have issued an official statement Wednesday confirming that June Mar Fajardo suffered a “complete fracture” of his right tibia from practice, a major blow to the franchise’s upcoming PBA Philippine Cup campaign.

Multiple websites first reported the development Tuesday, saying the 5-time PBA MVP will be out for at least the all-Filipino conference.

San Miguel’s statement also confirms Fajardo is out indefinitely. While there is no timetable yet for Fajardo’s return, the 6-10 center’s injury can be loosely compared to the injuries sustained by NBA stars Paul George and Gordon Hayward.

George, who is now with the Los Angeles Clippers, suffered a horrific injury back in 2014, breaking his leg during a Team USA scrimmage. He was sidelined for the entire season.

Hayward, meanwhile, sustained a broken tibia and broken ankle in 2017, right in his 1st game as a member of the Boston Celtics. Like George, Hayward was not able to return right away.

But there should be some optimism for some Beermen fans when it comes to Fajardo’s situation.

George was able to come back and win an Olympic gold medal in 2016, and is currently playing MVP level basketball. Hayward likewise has returned and is a key component in the Celtics’ campaign this season.