June Mar Fajardo. PBA . IMAGES
Jun Mar Fajardo, easily the most dominant player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) could find himself teaming up with Justin Brownlee, the most successful import player in recent years, at Gilas Pilipinas.
And no one is more excited about the possibility than the six-time Most Valuable Player award.
“He’s happy to be with him in the training sessions,” Fajardo told the Inquirer when asked about the American striker, who is certain to lead Gilas Pilipinas in the sixth and final match of the Qualifiers. Fiba World Cup Asia region later this month.
“He was a pain whenever we played against him, but now I’m super excited to be alongside him on the pitch,” he added.
Brownlee, without any complications, will spearhead the Nationals when they host red-hot Lebanon and vengeful Jordan later this month.
Fajardo, meanwhile, is being shaped as a padlock for Gilas after he missed the previous window due to the throat-fixing procedure.
A permanent member of the national dub program and a veteran of two World Cups, the soft-voiced center from Cebu says he already knows how much more fun it can be to compete alongside Brownlee, who has won six PBA crowns and three championships. time Best Import Award Winner.
“There is no arrogance in him. He’s accomplished a few things during his time at the PBA, but he’s still humble. So I’m excited,” he said.
Threats from the inside out
The setup is something that resonates not only with Fajardo but also with Gilas’ other rookies, who have long suffered from Brownlee’s uncomfortable dominance.
For example, Chris Newsome of Meralco.
“Play with him — not against him,” he said in an earlier interview. “He has a lot of experience and he is one of the best players I have ever faced. I will just be a sponge and try to absorb as much information and knowledge from JB as possible.”
With Brownlee and Fajardo on a team, Gilas can enjoy being a threat from the inside out — something national team coach Reyes hopes to accomplish in the two home courts that will take place at the Philippine Arena. Caves in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“In the immediate future, there will be changes to Justin and June Mar—hopefully—will be available. Immediately, there will be a change in [the team’s] dynamics, right?” Reyes had told the Inquirer earlier.
The Philippines currently hold a 5-3 win-lose in the tournament and are looking to continue building strength in preparation for global games, including the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in the summer. This.
“As far as I know, I am delighted to finally play for Gilas again. You can count on me to do my best and follow the coaches’ [plans]. Hopefully we will get good results,” Fajardo said.
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