CHRIS Ross defended San Miguel teammate and eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo from criticisms following Gilas Pilipinas’ loss to Chinese Taipei last Tuesday in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
READ: June Mar feels heat from Gilas fans after sub-par game vs Taipei
Responding to a post on X, Ross said Fajardo’s role is different in Gilas where the point of attack centers around Justin Brownlee.
Ross also implied that Fajardo doesn’t deserve the criticism because of how he has been dealing with a calf injury since the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup finals which concluded last July 25.
“June isn't the focal point of the offense,” wrote Ross, who was part of the gold medal-winning Philippine team in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. “Playing in the triangle before during Asian Games, the offense is catered around JB.”
“Another thing, June hasn't practiced since Game One of the semis trying to manage his injury. Only if y'all knew what he's doing just to get on court,” the 40-year-old Ross added.
Fajardo played for 19 minutes in Gilas' 95-87 loss, scoring only two points, grabbing two rebounds, and turning the ball over three times, the second-most on the team behind Brownlee.
The Filipinos look to bounce back on Thursday when they go up against New Zealand.
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