JUNE Mar Fajardo does not expect an easy time against Meralco bigs Raymond Almazan and Brandon Bates in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup finals even after his dominant showing in the semifinals against Rain or Shine.
Fajardo dominated that semifinal series where he averaged 18.25 points and 13.75 rebounds against an undersized Elasto Painters frontline.
For the championship, the Best Player of the Conference statistics leader will now be up against bigger opponents in Almazan and Bates, both listed at 6-foot-8.
The seven-time PBA MVP has been through a lot of wars with Almazan so he expects a tough series against the player he considers as a buddy.
Almazan can defend, hit the three
“Si Raymond, tropa ko ‘yun eh. Gugulphin ko ‘yun,” said Fajardo in jest about his former Gilas Pilipinas teammate.
Turning serious, Fajardo said he will also have to handle Almazan’s outside shooting, something that he also had to overcome in the playoffs against Beau Belga of Rain or Shine and Isaac Go of Terrafirma during the playoffs.
Almazan can also play defense - the main strength of the Bolts.
“Hindi mo siya basta basta babalewalain,” said Fajardo. “Sobrang taas ng percentage niya sa three points tapos mahaba rin siya. Kaya niyang dumepensa, kaya rin niyang mag-score.”
Bright future ahead for Bates
Fajardo is also wary of Bates, the Meralco rookie who finished the semifinals by registering six blocks against Barangay Ginebra last Friday.
With the way Bates defended Barangay Ginebra’s Christian Standhardinger, Fajardo said Bates has a bright future ahead of him.
“Ganda ng nilalaro ni Brandon lalo na nung Game Seven nga nila, naka-six blocks siya. Passionate siya. Malaki ang potential ng bata. Lagi siyang go hard. ‘Yun ang kagandahan sa kanya.
With Meralco’s pieces, Fajardo is not taking Meralco lightly as he goes for his 11th title with San Miguel.
“Gagawin ko ‘yung best ko na matulungan ko ‘yung team na manalo,” said Fajardo.
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