By Jonas Terrado
The return of June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter and Jayson Castro from injuries recently is not only a welcome news for basketball fans but also for coach Yeng Guiao as he prepares the national team in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Fajardo, Slaughter and Castro missed the September window for various reasons but are likely to be included in the roster for the home matches against Kazakhstan on Nov. 30 and Iran on Dec. 4, both slated at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Injuries prevented Fajardo and Slaughter from seeing action in Guiao’s debut in the qualifiers, with the San Miguel Beer star recovering from a shin injury and Slaughter hurting his ankle before the FIBA window.
The two gentle giants made their return this weekend, with Fajardo playing 10 minutes in San Miguel’s 109-97 win over Rain or Shine in Binan, Laguna and Slaughter posting 11 points and nine rebounds in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s 93-86 triumph opposite Magnolia.
“I was kinda bummed out that I wasn’t able to play last time but I learned a lot and I’m looking forward to play with the guys,” said Slaughter.
Castro, who missed three games for TNT KaTropa after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs on his right foot, didn’t play in the September to serve a three-game suspension for his role in a brawl that marred the Philippines’ match against Australia in early-July.
The two-time FIBA Asia Mythical Five member will serve the final game of his suspension against Kazakhstan before becoming eligible to don the Philippine jersey against the Iranians.
Barring any hitches, Castro is looking forward to play under the fiery mentor for the first time in his career.
“Alam ko yung system niya pero hindi pa ako na-under sa kanya,” said Castro, who is also upbeat of having to play alongside new faces.
“Willing akong matututo sa kanila kasi yun naman yung thinking ko lagi. At the same time, ma-share ko rin yung knowledge ko sa basketball sa kanila,” he added.
