HE may not have said it publicly, or even to his teammates, but the fire was actually scorching hot inside of June Mar Fajardo to regain the Philippine Cup for San Miguel in the PBA 49th Season.
The Beermen lost last season’s all-Filipino crown when they were toppled by Meralco in a six-game affair, giving the Bolts their first-ever PBA title.
With the loss, SMB was dethroned after ruling the Philippine Cup six of the past eight seasons.
As it turned out, Fajardo has in his possession the runner-up trophy, a tangible reminder of his desire to reclaim the conference where they have traditionally reigned supreme.
“With June Mar, I just learned this now, he told me in there (dugout), once we lost that championship, he kept that second-place trophy in his house. And he put it by his door," said longtime teammate Chris Ross.
"He said it was motivation for him every day he walked out of the house.”
Fajardo confirmed Ross’ statement.
“’Yung trophy nung last all-Filipino, nasa akin. ‘Yung second-place, nilagay ko sa gilid ng pinto ko para kapag nadadaanan ko, nakikita ko lagi. Dagdag motivation sa akin,” he said.
Fired-up Fajardo
And the 35-year-old Fajardo sure was motivated this conference.
After also missing the playoffs of the Commissioner’s Cup, 'The Kraken' had a Philippine Cup to remember where he captured his 12th Best Player of the Conference award. Later, he helped San Miguel secure its 30th overall title when the Beermen defeated TNT, 107-96, in Game 6.
READ: SMB reclaims PBA Philippine Cup title, denies TNT a grand slam
He finished the championship-clincher with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, and was near-perfect from the field, going 11-of-12, his only miss coming from a three-point shot.
Of course, Fajardo got help with Cjay Perez starting out Game 6 on fire and eventually finishing with 23 points. Jericho Cruz added 13 points and six assists on his way to a Finals MVP plum from the PBA Press Corps.
READ: Tough-guy Jericho Cruz actually the sweetest husband and dad
Now that redemption is in his hands, he intends to take this Philippine Cup championship to reside beside that runner-up trophy.
“Hihingiin ko nga ‘yung trophy na ‘yan, itatabi ko sa second-place,” he said.
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