June Mar Fajardo feeling pressure as Gilas campaign in FIBA Asia Championship nears

Petron Blaze rookie June Mar Fajardo, one of the biggest men in the country with his muscular 6-foot-10 frame, has butterflies in his stomach as the FIBA Asia Championship nears.

“Wala akong idea kung mga tao ba makakalaban,” said Fajardo in jest.

Turning serious, he said that he’s looking forward to matching up with international big men.

“Syempre, pressured and excited,” said the Boosters big man.

“Kasi mag-start na yung liga and expected ko malalaki yung kalaban. Malaki ang pressure sa katulad kong bago lang.”

Fajardo is the lone PBA rookie on the Philippine national men’s basketball training pool, and the top overall pick is expected to play a key role as a backup to naturalized center Marcus Douthit in the Asian championship.

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national squad got some much needed game action on Saturday, playing Barako Bull in a tuneup that saw Fajardo dominate down low. But the pride of Cebu admitted that his performance against the Energy Colas should not be used as a gauge.

“Hindi ko pa masasabi kung unti-unti bang nawawala na yung pressure kasi iba yan sa makakalaban namin. Yang Barako, nakakalaban ko na yan sa PBA, yung sa FIBA, hindi ko pa alam,” said Fajardo.

He still isn’t assured of a final roster spot, but Fajardo is already thankful for the opportunity given him by coach Chot Reyes.

“Lahat ng player nangangarap makapasok o makapaglaro sa national team. Na-bless ako ni God, dahil rookie pa lang ako, nakapasok na agad ako, pinili ako ni Coach Chot.”