June Mar Fajardo was more than happy to log in just 28 minutes against Blackwater
The Reigning PBA Most Valuable Player is averaging 35.8 minutes per contest this conference; last year, he played an average of 33.7 minutes in 31 games played. And it’s because the San Miguel Beermen experienced a significant drop-off in performance every time the 6-foot-10 giant steps off the floor.
Fajardo shared that it was because he was getting tired of keeping pace with the young legs of the Blackwater Elite.
“Hindi naman. Nakakapagod din sa takbuhan nila. Grabe yung takbuhan nila, so dun talaga kailangan makasabay sa kanila,” the 27-year-old said, as Blackwater had 21 fastbreak points in the game.
However, Fajardo did not need to contribute as much, as his back-up big man Gabby Espinas played an excellent game as well. Fajardo finished the game with 25 points, eight rebounds, and was a plus-17 on the floor. On the other hand, Espinas tallied 22 points and six rebounds in 21 minutes of game time. The PCU product was a plus-nine as well.
“Okay lang. Mas hindi masyadong bugbog,” Fajardo quipped about seeing his fellow big man step up in San Miguel’s 118-93 routing of Blackwater.
But even with San Miguel stringing together five straight wins — the last three in dominant fashion — the Cebuano still sees flaws in their game, especially on the defensive end.
“Yung sa depensa namin, kasi may mga time kailangan namin mag-switch, pero yung communication namin hindi ganun ka-ayos,” he said.
“Basta kailangan lang namin maging healthy kami lahat. Tapos kailangan lang namin sundin yung sistema ni coach, yung pina-practice namin kailangan i-apply sa game.”
The Cebuano giant, who has tasted gold numerous times, is not satisfied with just great regular season outings. But for now, he is contented to see his big men step up for him.
