Bumps, elbows, punches, and a couple of dirty plays – the reigning PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo stands at the receiving end of these intangibles in the game of basketball. Coming up on top of the statistical race for this conference’s best player, Fajardo just has to expect more in the playoffs.
Literally and figuratively, Fajardo is the centerpiece of the Beermen’s offense. However, he just deflects the credit to the people around him.
“Unang una ibibigay ko lang yung credit sa coaching staff kasi grabe yung tiwala nila sakin kaya dapat kong suklian yun,” he said while also thanking his teammates for looking for him inside the court.
“Maganda lang siguro yung feed nila sakin saka hinahanap nila ko sa opensa,” added Fajardo.
Though giving the credit to his teammates and coaches, Fajardo deserves more as he leads the league in points, boards, and blocks, imposing his dominance over every opponent.
Despite his dominace and his team’s good performance, the 6-foot-10 center wants more as he quipped: “hardwork lang at huwag maging kuntento, ayaw naming magslip away yung opportunities.”
All throughout his three-year stay in the PBA, the man known as the Kraken has received the brunt of the physicality from various double teams from the opposing team. June Mar shared his hardships inside the court. “Tinutulak nila ko saka grabe yung physicality, medyo nasasanay na rin ako sa mga bangga,” he said as he admits losing his composure in the earlier part of his career.
Even receiving blows from his defensive counterparts, you will probably never see this gentle giant square off in a brawl. He just had kind words for all the physicality in the finals.
“Mahirap din kasi nabubugbog yung katawan ko syempre tao din naman ako pero part yun ng game eh,” ended Fajardo, showing his maturity.
