Austria rooting for Fajardo to get NBA scout’s attention

San Miguel Beermen head coach Leo Austria. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria doesn’t see anything wrong if other leagues take interest in his star center June Mar Fajardo, especially if that other league is the NBA.

Jim Kelly, a basketball scout for the Dallas Mavericks, is in Manila reportedly scouting the two-time PBA MVP in a possibility to play in the NBA Summer League.

Austria said he sees no problem with Fajardo flying overseas since it will help him further develop his basketball skills.

“Para sa ikabubuti niya, walang problema,” said Austria in an interview on Sports IQ.

Austria, though, added Fajardo has to sit well with the coach’s philosophy especially offensively.

“Dapat kilala siya nung coach, and then yung philosophy ng coach maging pabor kay June Mar dahil ang alam ko sa NBA more of running.”

Fajardo has oftentimes struggled with a run-and-gun system, the same offensive scheme being employed in the Gilas program.

His heavy frame, which weighs almost 270 pounds, makes it difficult for the 6-foot-10 center to be an effective player in an up-and-down pace.

Fajardo is more adept with his back to the basket where he can choose to bang inside the lane or turnaround for a jumper.

Austria said a new environment for Fajardo could bring in some positives.

“Kung titignan niyo sa [NBA] D-League mas maraming malalaki na mas mabilis sa kanya, but if they will give him a try, why not?” said Austria. “Mag-i-improve naman siya dun, and nakikita natin meron siyang skills, may talent. It’s a matter of time to hone your skills.”

“Makakatulong sa kanya in the future kung makakalaro siya dun.”