Unlike his below-standards showing in the previous conference, June Mar Fajardo has been having a dominant Governors’ Cup campaign for the San Miguel Beermen, especially in the latter stages of the elimination round.
In the last four games where they went 3-1, the 27-year-old Cebuano averaged 20 points and 15 rebounds, highlighted by a 41-point, 17-rebound performance last September 16 in a 118-112 victory over Kia Picanto.
Four days after that outburst, the 6-foot-11 center continued his stellar showing, this time by unloading 24 points and 17 rebounds to help the Beermen survive a challenge imposed by already-eliminated Phoenix Fuel Masters, 109-107.
“Thankful ako sa mga teammates at coaches ko dahil sila lagi ang nage-encourage sakin lagi lalo na sa practice,” said Fajardo after the match.
“Yung mga previous games ko, sobrang nag-struggle talaga ako offensively.
“Nandun sila lagi, sila yung nagtuturo sakin kung ano yung dapat kong gawin sa game kasi sila yung nakakakita eh di ba. Thankful ako sa kanila,” he added, showing gratitude to his fellow Beermen for his resurgence.
After Wednesday, Fajardo is now averaging 17.7 points and 10.9 rebounds along with 1.9 blocks. With those numbers, it’s safe to say that the five-time Best Player of the Conference is in the running to add one more BPC plum.
And if ever he does, the three-time Most Valuable Player’s chances of earning his fourth MVP award has significantly increased.
But for Fajardo, that is still far from his mind, for winning the championship to secure a Grand Slam is his and SMB’s main focus.
“Hindi muna. One game at a time lang muna. Kailangan namin kunin yung goal namin — yung [2017 Governor’s Cup] championship,” said Fajardo.
“Kailangan [muna] namin paghandaan yung playoffs.”
