New Kid on the Block: JUNE MAR FAJARDO
“There’s always room for improvement.”
Full Name: June Mar Fajardo
Drafted: 1st overall, Petron
Position: Center
Birthday: November 17, 1989
College: University of Cebu
Age: 23
Shoe Size: 17
Height: 6’10”
Favorite Color: Violet
Favorite Food: “Kahit ano naman kinakain ko, basta hindi nakakahilo, basta hindi nakakalason.”
Favorite Movie: Suspense, Comedy
Having played for the University of Cebu Webmasters in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) and the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), June Mar Fajardo, the 6’10’’ slot man from Pinamungahan Cebu led this year’s batch after being tabbed by the Petron Blaze Boosters as the top pick in the draft. During his collegiate career, he was named Most Valuable Player in the CESAFI league three times (2009-2011) and the 2010 National Collegiate Player of the Year. In his young basketball career, June Mar has been under the wings of two legendary PBA cagers, Ramon Fernandez who trained him in college and Danny Ildefonso who is standing behind him and mentoring the ropes of the PBA. He is also included in 17- man training pool selected by national team head coach Chot Reyes for FIBA Asia Championship.
“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”
“Siyempre na-excite, proud din ako sa sarili ko na naging number one pick ako.”
“Did you expect that?”
“Sort of, pero may mga balita na nga na ako daw ang first pick so ayun.”
“Are you happy with Petron?”
“Oo, sobrang saya. Ako ‘yung bunso dito, mga kuya ko sila. Hindi nila ako nilo-look down, tinutulungan nila ako na ma-improve ko ‘yung skills ko, lahat. So happy ako na nandito ako.”
“How’s your experience with the team?”
“Hmmm, okay lang, marami akong natututunan lalo na kay Danny I.”
“What are the things Danny I. taught you?”
“Depensa, opensa, tsaka hindi lang basketball. Aside from basketball, more on life, kung paano mag invest ng pera, ganu’n.”
“You are with Coach Olsen and Danny I., the two veterans of the team, what they advice to you?
“Maglaro lang, kung ano yung laro ko, laruin ko lang. Dapat galingan. Dapat i-improve ko ‘yung skills ko, at dapat i-push ko yung sarili ko.”
“What can you say about your teammates that are mostly superstars?”
“Siyempre proud ako, kasi ‘yung mga taong dati sa TV ko lang nakikita, mga kakampi ko na.”
“Who are the players you look up to?”
“Nag-start kasi ako maglaro ng basketball, college na. Una kong nakilala si Don Don Hontiveros then si Danny I. So sila ang mga favorite ko. Sa NBA, si Garnett.”
“What did you feel after having your first two points in PBA?”
“Parang normal lang.”
“Did you ever thought that you’re going to be a basketball player?”
“Hindi, never pumasok ko na magiging PBA player ako, na aabot ako ditto. Minsan nga paggising ko sa umaga, nalilimutan ko may practice kami. Sasabihin ng driver ko may practice kayo. Minsan nakakalimutan ko, PBA player na pala ako. Hindi ko kasi in-e-expect.”
“What can you say about your losses?”
“Ganoon talaga, nangyayari talaga ‘yun. Wala tayong magagawa. Ang basketball kasi parang isang malaking Quiapo, maaagawan at maaagawan ka ng opportunity, ng bola, ng panalo.”
“What do you say to yourself every time the team loses?”
“Practice lang, lahat naman kasi ng bagay nangyayari.”
“What’s the reason behind you number?”
“15 sana ako, pero nagpunta dito si Wesley Gonzales. Sabi niya, siya na lang ang gagamit ng 15, ayun wala akong maisip na numero. 14 hindi puwede, 16 hindi din puwede, so naisip ko 22 na lang. Hula hula na lang, pero lately na-realize ko, 22 ako pumasok sa PBA, tapos sa condo unit ko, 22nd floor.”
“10 years from now, how can you see your career?”
“Haciendero. Gagayahin ko si D.I. Kasi kita mo naman pumasok sa PBA, hawak ng San Miguel for so many years. Kita mo naman, nag- iisang D.I. lang yan.”
“Do you wish to go to another team?”
“Hindi, kung puwede dito na ako, mababait mga tao dito.”
“What can you say about Coach Olsen?”
“Si Coach, bago pa lang, pareho lang kami. Marami pa kaming dapat ma-experience. Siya as a coach, ako as a player pero hindi rin magtatagal, makukuha rin namin ‘yun.”
Photo Credits to PBA, Spin.ph, ABL, and the owner. :)
(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)
3 years ago, I got a chance to meet Junemar for a project. 3 years after, Junemar has 3 MVP titles. Grabe lang. This is my best accomplishment as a writer siguro. 😁