February 17, 2017

Fajardo swamped by TNT defense

Reigning PBA MVP, June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen has seen limited touches in their pivotal Game 5 of the Philippine Cup semifinals.

In what seems to be a battle of two MVPs in Kelly Williams and Fajardo, TNT head coach Nash Racela reveals how his whole team contributed in containing “The Kraken.”

“It is not about personal duels. If it was just one-on-one between Kelly and June Mar – it would really hard to beat June Mar. It took the whole team to be able to limit June Mar today. A total team effort for us,” said Racela.

In Game 6, Williams is expected to lock horns with Fajardo once again. Acknowledging that although it is a herculean task, he is up to the challenge.

“It is going to be rough and going to be tough. Obviously, June Mar is multi-MVP and it is hard to stop him. I will just do everything I can. I think coaches are going to do the best they can to draw up the right schemes and I know my guys got my back and we are looking forward to it,” said the 2007-2008 MVP.

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One of TNT’s leaders, Ranidel de Ocampo emphasized that they put in different bodies on Fajardo in order to tire him down and somehow trim down his numbers.

“Siyempre, bibigyan ko rin ng credit sina Kelly Williams, Tautuaa, Frank Golla, Danny Seigle, Harvey Carey sa pag-depensa kay June Mar Fajardo,” de Ocampo said.

Fajardo is aware of TNT’s plans to swamp their defense over him and he knows that in order to win the series, he needs to me more imposing inside to be able to help his teammates like Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot, get more open looks.

“Maganda depensa nila sa akin, eh. Alam na alam nila kung paano depensahan kami. Kailangan naming work-out pa para maka-bounce back,” said Fajardo.

San Miguel Beermen has a chance to tie the series when they face TNT KaTopa once more on February 18, Saturday, 5pm at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.