San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo quietly did his work and went on to produce another triple-double in San Miguel's twice-to-beat clincher over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo looked and moved like his idol, NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, Wednesday night, Dec. 17.
While being an imposing presence down low, Fajardo was also looking to involve his teammates more as the Beermen pummeled Terrafirma, 135-115, for their eighth straight win — and a twice-to-beat-advantage — in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
The nine-time MVP ended up with his second career triple-double, highlighted by 10 assists. He also registered 10 points and 13 rebounds.
“Ang ganda kasi ng itinatakbo ng team namin ngayon,” Fajardo said.
[RELATED STORY: Cjay Perez drops 17 in 3Q as San Miguel outduels Terrafirma, earns PBA 2x-to-beat]
Asked whether he was making a conscious effort to look for open teammates every possession, the 6-foot-10 slotman said that he finds joy in doing so.
“Mas natutuwa na ako ngayong maka-score ang mga teammates ko. Hindi ko naman kailangang makipag-compete sa scoring. Ang dami naming scorers,” Fajardo said.
“Kailangan namin 'yong panalo. Buti nakuha namin 'yong panalo.”
Could this be the start of a string of triple-double performances for the member of the league’s 75 greatest players?
Fajardo said he is only focused on helping San Miguel in its title retention drive.
“Hindi ko lang alam. Baka pagdating ng playoffs, mahirap na rin. Mahigpit na 'yong laban doon,” he said.
“Basta 'yong goal namin, makakuha ng panalo, maraming panalo. 'Yong goal namin, makakuha ng twice-to-beat. Sana, magtuluy-tuloy."
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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.