PETRON'S rookie slotman June Mar Fajardo hopes to learn a thing or two from national coach Chot Reyes and naturalized player Marcus Douthit when he joins the Gilas Pilipinas national pool’s practice beginning on Monday at the Philsports Arena.
“Tinawagan na ako kagabi ng PBA at sinabihan nga po ako na isasama daw ako sa national team,” the 6-10 Fajardo told Spin.ph after the Boosters' practice on Thursday. "Opportunity ito para sa akin na matuto."
The former University of Cebu star center said he has never played for the national team in the past, one reason why he is excited to train and learn from his fellow national pool members.
“Gusto ko pa ma-train. First time ko din kasi sa national team. Dun (national pool practice) na rin ako kukuha ng exposure para pagbalik ko din sa team ko, mas makakatulong ako,” said the soft-spoken Petron giant.
Fajardo said if picked for the final Gilas Pilipinas roster and given the chance to suit up in the Fiba-Asia Men's Basketball Championship, he promised to give his all and provide quality minutes while playing behind the 6-10 Douthit in the center position.
Fajardo said he has faced big players while playing for one season with the San Miguel Beermen in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), but he admits the Fiba-Asia men’s championships will be a whole new ballgame.
“Sa ABL, malalaki din naman dahil sa mga imports, pero iba sa Fiba-Asia syempre,” he said.
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