San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo is looking forward to matching up with new TNT import Bol Bol in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup.
Even June Mar Fajardo knows TNT is the team to beat in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
This is because the Tropang 5G are not only the defending champions, but are also making up for the absence of the injured Rondae Hollis-Jefferson by bringing in towering Bol Bol as import.
[RELATED STORY: Bol Bol and TNT's list of PBA imports with NBA experience]
“Maraming papahirapan yung import na yun. Di lang kami. Buong liga siguro mahihirapan sa kaniya,” Fajardo told One Sports on matching up with Bol, son of former NBA journeyman Manute Bol.
The nine-time PBA MVP isn’t exactly exaggerating.
After all, the 7-foot-3 Bol is still in his prime at 26 and was in the NBA as recently as April last year with the Phoenix Suns.
The 44th overall pick in 2019 also played for the Denver Nuggets and the Orlando Magic, where he put up a career-best 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks in the 2023 season.
Still, Fajardo is unfazed.
The 12-time champion is only motivated to get better as Bol’s arrival will only raise the level of play in the PBA.
“Hahanapan ng paraan yun para ma-stop siya,” he said.
—
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.