June Mar Fajardo attends his first Gilas practice after injury. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
June Mar Fajardo and the Gilas Pilipinas are out to do the near impossible—qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
For perspective, the 28th-ranked Philippines is grouped with 5th-ranked France and 21st-ranked New Zealand in Group A of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.
Turkey, the 8th-ranked nation in the world, headlines the other group that includes 26th-ranked Canada and 31st-ranked Senegal, the only nation the Filipinos beat in the 2014 Fiba World Cup.
Odds are definitely stacked against Gilas in the July games but Fajardo, the reigning two-time MVP of the PBA, said they just have to think positively.
“Walang imposible, kaya iyan,” said Fajardo. “Positive lang, walang aayaw.”
On Wednesday, Fajardo worked on the first steps in his dream of entering the Olympics participating in his first practice session with the national team after resting his knee and playing in the PBA Playoffs.
It was a good two months that Fajardo was absent in the weekly practices, which is now transitioning into dailies in preparation for the tournament.
“Medyo nangangalawang pero parang sa hangin lang konti,” said Fajardo of his lack of stamina during the fast-paced practice. “Cardio ko kulang, pero konti lang naman, nagpahinga naman ako and two weeks kasi akong walang ginagawa, bahay lang.”