By Waylon Galvez
San Miguel behemoth June Mar Fajardo wants nothing but payback from a squad that dealt him his heartbreaking finals loss during his rookie season.
“Hindi ko talaga makakalimutan nung rookie year ko. Yung Magnolia first heartbreak ko,” said the 6-foot-10 Fajardo during a press conference yesterday at the Sambokojin Restaurant in Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City.
“Binasag ko yung PC (Personal Computer) ko. Ito na siguro yung time na makabawi ako para naman may pambili ako ng bagong PC,” Fajardo said in jest.
Fajardo was referring to the 2012 Governors’ Cup where Petron Blaze took home the title in a do-or-die Game 7 against San Mig Coffee (now the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok).
Fajardo, a pride of University of Cebu, was selected No. 1 by the Beermen in the 2011 rookie draft.
After that finals defeat, Fajardo has captured five championships, including an unprecedented three straight Philippine Cup title that started in 2016 – his first title with the team.
Aside from the five titles, Fajardo has bagged a record four consecutive MVPs to tie with ex-pros Alvin Patrimonio and Ramon Fernandez for the most number of awards.
This conference, Fajardo is again averaging MVP-type numbers of 22.80 points, 13.30 rebounds and 1.80 assists per game in this season-opening conference of the 43rd PBA Season.
