June Mar Fajardo was named PBA MVP for the ninth time, but he looked back on a trying period in 2020 that proved he was not invincible.
As he stood on the highest summit of his career yet, June Mar Fajardo talked about the lowest of lows.
Speaking to reporters after bagging his record-extending ninth Most Valuable Player award, Fajardo recalled the dreadful months after he suffered a fracture on his tibia during San Miguel's training session in 2020.
Sidelined for a significant amount of time, Fajardo admitted casting doubt on his recovery.
“Noong na-injure ako, noong nabali ang tibia ko, maraming nagsabing wala na, hindi na ako makababalik sa PBA," said the Beermen standout.
"Kahit ako, nag-cross din sa isip kong baka hindi na nga ako makabalik kasi bali na ang tibia ko,” he added.
[RELATED STORY: Rare out-of-town trips revitalize San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo ahead of PBA Season 50]
Fajardo unleashes his inner Kraken
Fajardo mulled over giving up. After all, he already had eight championships and six MVP awards under his belt at the time.
Ultimately, the 6-foot-10 behemoth decided against it and soldiered on.
“Ginawa ko 'yong therapy ko religiously. Kasi kapag mag-give up ako, by default, talo na ako, 'di ba? Sabi ko, ‘What if bigyan ko ng chance ang sarili ko? What if gawin ko ang mga exericises, mga therapies ko, mga rehab ko religiously? Baka magbago ang takbo, baka makabalik ako,'" said Fajardo.
"'Yon nga ang ginawa ko at 'yon nga ang nangyari.”
June Mar Fajardo also makes it to the PBA All-Defensive Team. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
On Sunday, Oct. 5, the humble giant from Pinamungajan, Cebu received his ninth MVP award and third straight since the said injury.
Fajardo hopes his story would inspire people, especially his fellow players, to rise above the challenges that life throws their way.
“Dapat 'wag tayong mag-give up. Normal lang naming mag-struggle tayo. Part 'yan ng growth natin, 'yong struggle, part 'yon ng journey natin,” he said.
“Hindi natin maiiwasan 'yon lalo sa mga players. Injury talaga ang pinakakalaban. So kahit gaano ka ka-healthy, gaano ka nagpapakundisyon pero 'pag nangyari ang injury, hindi mo maiiwasan. Pero 'yon nga, nakabalik ako then nanalo ako ng MVPs.”
[RELATED STORY: Leo Austria not surprised June Mar now among PBA's Greatest: 'One-of-a-kind player']
Fajardo reaps reward
Fajardo honored his own perseverance, never forgetting God's provision through it all.
“Credit din sa sarili ko, hindi ako nag give up. Kung nag-give up ako, sana wala na ako ngayon [sa PBA]," said Fajardo.
"Thankful talaga ako kay God. Kay God talaga lahat 'to. Kung ano mang mayroon ako ngayon, si God ang nag-provide sa'kin nito."
[RELATED STORY: Holy Week Special: June Mar Fajardo remembers the sick, less fortunate in his prayers]
Fajardo is also part of the Mythical First Team, which includes his teammate CJay Perez, NLEX's Robert Bolick, now KBL player Arvin Tolentino, and TNT’s Calvin Oftana.
Fajardo was likewise named to the All-Defensive Team together with TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin, Magnolia's Zavier Lucero, Ginebra's Stephen Holt and now Titan Ultra's Joshua Munzon.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.