BACOLOD – June Mar Fajardo will take part in the Three-Point Shootout among big men, after all.
Now fully healed, the seven-time MVP is set to flex his range in one of the most awaited skills challenges of the upcoming PBA All-Star Bacolod 2024.
“Sana maganda ‘yung ipakita ko bukas,” he told reporters Friday. “Sana maganda ‘yung pulso ko bukas — kaya ‘di ako magbubuhat ngayon.”
Fajardo was expected to miss the contest when he got hurt during San Miguel’s six-game conquest of Magnolia in the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
That was why the league tapped Mo Tautua’a to become the Beermen’s envoy to the first three-point tilt entirely featuring centers and forwards.
But the SMB star got medically cleared in time for their Season 48 Philippine Cup debut versus Rain or Shine last March 15 in which they won.
That clearance paved the way for him to be back representing his ball club, thus the immense excitement on his part as he’s always wanted to do it.
“Masaya ako na makasali sa Three-Point Shootout,” he expressed.
It should be good news for the fans, too, for most of them have always wanted to see Fajardo show his three-point prowess like what he’s done recently.
Per PBA stats chief Fidel Mangonon III, the Cebuano cager has shot 47.8-percent in the last two seasons. He’s gone 6-of-13 this season.
“Alam na nila ‘yung [laro ko] sa loob e, mahirap na rin … So, ‘pag may tira ako sa labas, madadagdagan ‘yung arsenal ko,” he offered.
“Binibigyan din naman ako ng kumpiyansa nina Coach e. Pero sinasabihan nila ako na ‘wag masyado ma-in love kasi hindi naman ‘yun ‘yung style ko.”
Given his conscious effort to improve his shot from beyond the arc in recent seasons, Fajardo is coming into the shootout confident.
“Mga 60, 70 [percent]. Siyempre bigyan ko kumpiyansa sarili ko, itataas ko talaga ‘yun,” he said, smiling, when asked about his chances.
But he knows, too, that he’ll have tough competition ahead.
“Sina Santi [Santillan], sina Brandon [Ganuelas-Rosser], maraming bigs na yung laro talaga nila, tumitira sila sa tres sa game,” he offered.
“Tingin ko may tsansa manalo si Santi siguro, kasi taas ng percentage niya sa game e,” he added, pointing to the Rain or Shine forward.
“Tingnan natin bukas,” Fajardo continued with a grin.
