June Mar Fajardo is confident with the remaining bigs’ capabilities of manning the front for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers’ first window.
The veteran internationalist believes that Kai Sotto and Carl Tamayo can do more than enough as the young guns will have to assume bigger roles up front in this week’s tilt, with injuries giving the men’s team personnel woes anew.
“‘Di naman na mga bata sina Kai, kasi sobrang exposed na sila sa international games,” he said in a presser organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) ahead of the Nationals’ open practice, Monday at the Philsports Arena.
Sotto and Tamayo will be taking on more responsibilities as Fajardo and another B.League import in AJ Edu are ruled out due to injuries.
Edu’s status has been uncertain since he’s still recovering from a meniscus tear he suffered in November, and Gilas’ response was to bring in Japeth Aguilar to bring much-needed size – and veteran presence, of course – to the team.
However, Gilas opted not to bring in any replacement for the seven-time PBA MVP, who suffered a calf injury during the recently-concluded Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, which his San Miguel won in six games.
Still, Fajardo trusts the young bigs enough to make a mark in Window 1, where they will be taking on Hong Kong on the road on February 22 before flying back to Manila to face Chinese Taipei on the 25th at the Philsports Arena.
“Kaya na nilang makapagsabayan,” offered the Cebuano star, who had played alongside Sotto in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
For now, Fajardo’s focus is to heal as fast as he possibly can to be able to rejoin Gilas, which is seeking continuity under new head coach Tim Cone.
“Nakakalungkot kasi gusto ko maglaro sa Gilas. Pero sinabihan ako ng doktor na magpahinga,” said the 34-year-old, who was advised to rest for two weeks.
“Pero ginagawa ko naman ‘yung best ko na sana mag-heal agad para makahabol kami sa mga practices,” he added.
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