June Mar Fajardo defends Ranidel De Ocampo during Gilas practice. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
June Mar Fajardo has wreaked havoc in the PBA landscape coming away with virtually every trophy there is, but come Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up against rival Iran the two-time MVP is fine with settling to a lesser role.
With high-scoring guards Terrence Romeo and Jayson Castro, named as Asia’s best point guard for three years running, Fajardo is fine being a role player for Gilas.
“Basta gusto ko maging role player, hindi ako ang pinaka option sa Gilas,” said Fajardo Friday at Meralco Gym. “Gawin ko mga screens para ma bakante mga guards. More on screens lang ako, hindi naman ako ang priority sa offense.”
Fajardo will also share the paint with naturalized big man Andray Blatche, giving the Kraken the chance to do the dirty work on offense, setting up screens and grabbing the 50/50 balls.
Gilas’ June 8 match against Iran, though, would have to ask more from Fajardo as he will go up against Hamed Haddadi.
Fajardo first met Haddadi in the 2013 Fiba World Cup when Iran won the gold medal while Gilas settled for silver.
Gilas played without naturalized center Marcus Douthit in the game, leaving the big man duties to Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar.
Fajardo said he’s excited with his forthcoming match up against Haddadi, the second one in his young career.
“Excited ako tapos excited ako makabalik sa international game ko, ito yung first since the 2013 Fiba World.”