(UPDATE) NINE-TIME PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo knows the gargantuan task Gilas Pilipinas will be facing in the second window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, considering that young big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown confirmed their non-availability in the Philippines’ two upcoming home games.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo admitted that the absence of the two young big men will definitely make their upcoming games against New Zealand and world power Australia tougher, but then again, they will have to rely on team play and execute their game plan well to give themselves a fighting chance.
“They are definitely tough opponents, we know we won’t be playing easy games against these teams,” Fajardo said in Filipino, at the sidelines of the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night held last Monday at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
The Cebuano big man was on hand to receive his seventh Mr. Basketball citation, with Fajardo also fresh of leading San Miguel Beer to a new record 31st PBA championship after winning back-to-back Philippines Cup crowns, beating TNT in six games in the Finals.
Fajardo also captured a new record 13th Best Player of the Conference, while also being named Finals MVP for a historic fifth time.
At 36, Fajardo continues to be a dominant force in the pro league, but then again, he also knows the bigger challenge that lies ahead as he co-leads Gilas along with naturalized player Justin Brownlee in window 2.
“We’re all there to really prepare, do all that we can necessary. We just need to take a serious approach,” he added.
The pride of Pinamungahan, Cebu is hopeful that playing right in front of an expected sellout crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena could buoy up their confidence, aware that the Tall Blacks and the Boomers will come out with their best line up as well.
“We have homecourt and the fans are there, who will be there to give us the boost, and the strength we need in the coming games,” said Fajardo.