San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo showcased the progress he has made from the right leg injury he suffered in February in a workout video dated Thursday afternoon.
The film, posted on his AHOS gaming Youtube channel, showed Fajardo shooting baskets with assistant coach Boycie Zamar and staff member Andrew Bulahan from the team's practice gym in Acropolis in Quezon City.
"After 8 long months nakabalik na din sa court. Slowly but surely lang. Salamat sa lahat ng mga prayers nyo at suporta, naappreciate ko kayo ng husto," Fajardo wrote.
Sought for comment on the reigning six-time PBA MVP's rehabilitation process, team manager Gee Abanilla said Fajardo recently got clearance from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas -- the same man who operated on his right tibia last February -- to do light court workouts.
"His recovery is on schedule," he said. "He is doing his regular rehab program plus aqua training, and he recently got the go-signal from Dr. Canlas to start doing light shooting."
But Abanilla declined to give a firm timeline, saying the team will continue to rely on professional advice before proceeding any further.
"We don't want to rush anything and we are dependent on the expert advice of his doctor. We will take it one step at a time and be happy for every small victory he gains in his rehabilitation," he said.
The manager also expressed optimism about Fajardo's progress eight months after sustaining the injury.
"He's not rushing anything, but I'm happy to note that I sense a lot of positivity in his outlook towards becoming whole and fit again. I'm really hoping that everything will be all right in God's perfect time," said Abanilla.
Fajardo and forward Matt Ganuelas-Rosser were the only players not on the Beermen roster for the 2020 season restart in a bubble in Clark, Pampanga.
The big man played all 61 games for San Miguel last season and averaged 18.9 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 blocks in 33.2 minutes per game.