Back in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, San Miguel Beermen superstar June Mar Fajardo was vocal about how hard it is going up against TNT Katropa’s hulking import Joshua Smith.
In the 2018 edition of the mid-season conference, Fajardo had the same sentiments when the Beermen fought the Katropa in a heated affair last June 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Though SMB won 99-94, Fajardo lost the individual battle. He only had 19 points and six rebounds, while Smith collected 26 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists.
“Laki niya, bigat niya. [At] Ang galing,” said the reigning, four-time league Most Valuable Player moments after that particular victory.
“Naawa ako sa sarili ko.”
After almost a month since their meeting, Fajardo is now bracing for yet another titanic clash with Smith, as San Miguel and TNT will lock horns anew in a best-of-three quarterfinal series.
“Mahirap kalaban yun,” shared Fajardo.
Though he knows he’ll be facing another challenge, the proud son of Pinamungajan, Cebu is counting on his teammates’ help to get the job done in containing Smith.
“May tulong naman ako dun,” said the 28-year-old.
“Kailangan namin pagtulungan yun para makuha yung panalo.”
