Fajardo, Beermen ready for ‘tough’ match up against TNT

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

June Mar Fajardo admitted that San Miguel is caught in a tricky situation with the cloud of mystery surrounding TNT’s import for the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Going into the best-of-seven series, Joshua Smith’s health is in question as he played through a torn ligament in his right foot in the semifinals series against Ginebra.

A back-up import in Mike Myers arrived in the country Saturday, but TNT give not the PBA a notice of change of imports Tuesday, making Smith their import for Game 1 on Wednesday.

That fits the Beermen’s game plan.

“So far, we have Joshua as their import in our gameplan,” said three-time PBA MVP in Filipino.

Fajardo sat out the elimination duel due to Gilas Pilipinas obligations, which resulted to TNT escaping with a 112-103 victory on May 5.

However, a lot has changed since that game, with the KaTropa swapping then-import Donte Greene, who registered 41 points and 21 rebounds in the game, for Smith.

But the Cebuano giant acknowledged San Miguel is sure to have its hands full in the title clash.

“This will be a tough matchup for us,” he said. “But as long as we’ll play as a team and follow coach’s system, we have a big chance to get the win. Hopefully, we can get the championship again.”