Don’t be surprised if San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo adds a three-point shot to his arsenal.
The reigning league MVP converted his first career three-pointer from the left corner in SMB’s 90-74 victory against expansion team Kia Motors in the PBA Philippine Cup last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Prior to that, the 6-foot-10 Fajardo was 0-5 in his PBA career that began in 2012, and according to the third year center he takes occasional shots from rainbow territory in practice.
For now, however, Fajardo said he would only launch one when the team is leading big late in the fourth quarter like he did against the Sorento, and not in crucial parts of the game.
“Tsamba lang naman yun,” said Fajardo, who finished with a career best – and season high – 36 points while adding 17 rebounds as SMB gained a share of the lead with Alaska as both teams now carry identical 6-1 cards.
“Kung nag-mintis yun papagalitan ako ni coach. Buti pumasok. Sa ensayo tira-tira lang, pero hindi ko talaga pina-praktis. Kung gagawin ko palagi yun Wala na magre-rebound sa loob,” added Fajardo.
SMB Coach Leo Austria also wants his prized center to concentrate on dominating inside and not the outside shots.
“Actually sa practice ginagawa nya yun, pero ayoko sya tumira sa labas,” said Austria. “Unless it’s winding down, dahil baka maging habit. Kung pumasok, ok nakakatuwa. Kung hindi naman, it’s against the will of the coach. Kasi ang advantage nya nasa loob.”
“No doubt naman he has the outside shooting maski college pa, but here in the PBA, he has to dominate inside. Siguro yung three-points nya na yun parang linagyan nya ng icing yung cake dahil sa performance nya,” added Austria.