Despite bruising battle in PBA semis, Fajardo has no problems with Abueva

MANILA, Philippines—The semifinals series between defending champion San Miguel and Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup certainly brought out some fireworks and the biggest arget of the heat was the gentle giant June Mar Fajardo.

It had been a highly-physical affair from the opener in a game where  Fajardo suffered a nasty fall on a routine layup play when Calvin Abueva gave him a nudge midair.

San Miguel’s superstar left the game with no medical concern, which bode well for the Beermen who went on to clinch a return ticket to the finals with a 105-94 Game 5 win on Wednesday.

Despite the intensity of the series, Fajardo cleared that he has no problems with Phoenix’s enigmatic forward, who goes by the monicker “The Beast.”

“Calvin and I don’t have problems, I have a high respect for him,” said Fajardo of his former Gilas teammate.

They were also part of the same 2012 Rookie Class with Fajardo getting picked first overall and Abueva taking home the nod as the best freshman in season’s end.

“We got drafted in the same year and we’ve played against each other for many years now so I know how he plays,” said the 6-foot-10 Fajardo who finished with 13 points and 16 rebounds.

“Calvin is just like that, he’ll annoy you on the court but outside of it we’re very close. We’re teammates in Gilas for years now and I know his attitude. I have a lot of respect for him.”