Even if the San Miguel Beermen’s acquisition of Terrence Romeo has made them stronger and more dreaded – especially for the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup – main man June Mar Fajardo still feels a little dejected.
In order for the Beermen to get the flamboyant scoring guard from the TNT KaTropa, they had to ship away defensive-minded forward David Semerad, a future first-round draft pick, and stocky guard Brian Heruela.
It’s no secret that Heruela and Fajardo have been good friends for a long time now, as they were teammates before in the University of Cebu. They were reunited in the pro ranks back in 2015 in a trade between SMB and Barako Bull.
“Malungkot ako kasi ang tagal ko na siya kasama eh.”
But as tough as it is for him and his good pal, Fajardo understands that basketball is also a business. “Pero lagi naman naming sinasabi na ganoon ang buhay sa basketball. ‘Di mo masasabi ang kapalaran mo,” said the 28-year-old.
“Kung anong team mo ngayon, dapat i-cherish mo,” added the reigning, four-time league Most Valuable Player. “Mas okay siguro sa kanya na nandoon siya kasi mas makakalaro siya, mabibigyan siya ng playing time.
“Masaya ako para sa kanya.”
But Fajardo is now moving on, and he looks forward to playing with new teammate Romeo. Familiarity won’t be an issue between the two, as they have already served flag and country together with Gilas Pilipinas.
“Excited ako na makasama siya. Ang daming sinasabi sa kanya pero sa tingin ko naman magwo-work siya dito sa amin. Grabe din ang talent niya. Nandito lang naman kami para tulungan siya and siya rin, tutulungan niya kami,” he expressed.
On paper, the Beermen touted as the strongest team currently in the league, and are a heavy favorite in the All-Filipino tilt. But for them to back it up, Fajardo said that they still have to work together and become one single unit.
“Malaking tulong siya sa amin, pero kailangan pa rin naming i-work yung chemistry namin sa kanya.”
