Gilas’ June Mar Fajardo posts up Dominican Republic’s Angel Delgado during a Fiba World Cup game in Group A at Philippine Arena. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Dominican Republic forward Angel Delgado apologized for hitting Gilas Pilipinas center June Mar Fajardo during their Fiba World Cup opening game last Friday at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
A series of photos and videos of the incident that happened early in the fourth quarter of a closely contested game surfaced online.
Delgado got away after the referees missed it as the Dominicans edged the Philippines, 87-81, in front of a record-breaking crowd.
“It was like a physical game. [Banging] with big guys and everything. He’s a great guy. I say I’m sorry to him and everybody because I’m not that type of guy,” said Delgado on Tuesday after the Dominicans overcame Angola, 75-67, to sweep Group A at Araneta Coliseum.
“He’s a great guy and I think I gotta apologize to him,” added Delgado, who had eight points and five rebounds.
Gilas Pilipinas’ June Mar Fajardo. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Delgado said he hasn’t had the chance to see Fajardo since their match but he looks forward to apologizing to the Gilas veteran personally.
“No. We haven’t been able to talk but as soon as I see him again, I’m gonna say sorry because that’s not the type of guy I am and he’s a good guy,” he said. “I hope we get back to playing a game and have fun with it.”
Fajardo, indeed, is also known for his calm demeanor. As one of the testaments to it, Fajardo was among the few Gilas players who did not figure in the Gilas-Australia brawl in the 2018 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Gilas Pilipinas, which lost its first two games in Group A, plays Italy (1-1) later at 8 p.m. The Filipinos need to beat the Italians by at least 13 points to advance.