After missing Gilas Pilipinas’ first practice for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, June Mar Fajardo finally suited up for the Nationals’ session Tuesday at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.
“Okay naman. Nakakatuwa,” said the 6-foot-10 slotman, who missed last practice to attend to a personal matter.
Coach Tim Cone himself is thrilled to have the San Miguel Beermen star on board.
After spending years battling Fajardo, Cone finally had the chance to coach him with something at stake. And the decorated mentor has been looking forward to this for a very long time.
“June Mar’s here. It was great to see June Mar,” expressed the two-time Grand Slam-winning coach.
“He just makes the team look different. He makes everything look different out there.”
For Cone, what he really likes about the reigning five-time Most Valuable Player is his natural instinct on the court, since Fajardo was quick to grasp the scheme that the decorated mentor is teaching.
“I didn’t have to instruct him one thing. All he did was watch what everyone was doing, and he picked it up just like that. His basketball IQ is off the charts. It’s amazing,” said Cone.
“He’s fun to be around.”
Fajardo is expected to be a shoo-in the final lineup mainly due to his dominating presence inside. And should he make it, it will be his first time to play in the regional biennial meet.
The two-time FIBA World Cupper, of course, has his sights set on winning the gold medal.
“Sana maka-gold,” hoped the proud son of Cebu.
“Basta maglalaro tayo. ‘Wag lang kampante.”
