June Mar Fajardo flaunts efficiency to lead local Gilas standouts

Gilas Pilipinas’ June Mar Fajardo goes for a shot against the Dominican Republic in the Fiba World Cup. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

BOCAUE — June Mar Fajardo led all locals in Gilas Pilipinas’ 87-81 loss to the Dominican Republic in the Fiba World Cup opener on Friday night.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)’s six-time Most Valuable Player finished with 16 points without a miss in a contest that pitted him against three-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.

It was a commendable performance for the San Miguel cornerstone, who once broke his right shinbone and was once viewed to be way past his prime.

“I don’t really care about that,” he said in Filipino when asked about the chatter of him being dominant only in the local arena. “I’m not measuring myself against Karl or any other player.”

“I just wanted to help the team. Whatever the coach wants me to do, I’ll do. Whichever way I could help, I’ll do,” added Fajardo, who also had seven rebounds to his name.

National coach Chot Reyes heaped praises on Fajardo, who has served in both the Seville and China editions of the World Cup.

“Like I said, a very efficient player. 28 minutes, 16 points and didn’t miss a shot,” he said. “Can’t complain about the effort and the game of June Mar.”