Fajardo feels sorry for self after banging bodies with Smith: ‘He’s not just big he’s good’
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
June Mar Fajardo has undoubtedly established himself as the most physically intimidating player in the PBA for almost five years now.
At 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds, the four-time MVP is obviously a giant but there comes a time when a bigger titan comes along and brings a newfound fight.
That was the exact thing that happened when Fajardo squared up against TNT’s import, the 6-foot-9 and 290-lb Joshua Smith, Saturday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Although San Miguel came up with the 100-94 win over the KaTropa, Fajardo left Mall of Asia Arena feeling as if he lost in the battle of behemoths.
“He’s so big, and he’s not just big he’s good. I feel sorry for myself,” said a giggling Fajardo in Filipino. “But we were able to get the win and my teammates provided help and Renaldo (Balkman) played really well.”
Fajardo has rarely been pushed around in the PBA as the San Miguel star can easily retaliate on the other end, but Smith did it constantly every time they matched up in the paint.
Smith not only bullied Fajardo physically but the former Georgetown Hoya also had better numbers than the Cebuano.
The KaTropa’s big man finished with 26 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks while Fajardo had 19 points, seven rebounds, one steal, and two blocks.
Fajardo, though, did not have to do much in the offensive end as Balkman took care of that putting up 43 points with 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and six blocks.
“My teammates stepped up for us, and we’re thankful we were able to get the win,” said Fajardo as the Beermen improved to a 4-4 record.
