June Mar Fajardo enjoys All-Star Game despite South loss

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Missing last year’s All-Star Game, June Mar Fajardo truly had a blast in this year’s offing, doing moves and making plays he’s not known for on the court.

He even unveiled a little known facet of his game, leading a fastbreak and faking Mark Caguioa with a behind-the-back dribble to score in the first quarter.

“In-born yun,” he jokingly quipped.

Asked if the move was influenced by Gilas teammate Andray Blatche or fellow Beermen Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot.

“June Mar Fajardo yun,” before flashing a silly grin. “Ginagawa ko sa practice yun eh. Pero nakita ko siya na ika-cut ako ni Mark kaya ko ginawa yun.”

May it be playing the point, driving to the cup, or even spotting up for a three, the 6-foot-11 big man did it all as he topped the South All-Stars with 25 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and a block.

“Nakakatuwa yung experience na ito. Sobrang saya kasi na-experience ko mag-point guard at tumira ng tres. Magandang memory ito,” he said.

Unfortunately for him, the South drew the short end of the stick, losing in a close 154-151 defeat to the North All-Stars on Sunday.

“Ine-enjoy namin yung game. Yun naman yung All-Star. Nagpapasalamat kami kay God na walang na-disgrasya this game, walang na-injure. Successful yung All-Star kaya masaya,” he said.

Though Fajardo rued the defeat, he conceded that the other side was the better one in this affair.

“Gusto namin manalo pero kinapos. Grabe yung kabila, ang lakas tumalon. Lahat ng dunk nasa kanila,” he said. “Gusto naming manalo, kaso natalo kami so okay lang. Sobrang blessed ko lang na nakasali ulit ako dito.”