FROM then until now, June Mar Fajardo's greatness still continues to amaze people.
And that includes even longtime adviser Atty. Baldomero Estenzo.
"Because of his determination and will to succeed, he’s here now," he said as he watched Fajardo receive his eighth PBA MVP honors during the PBA Season 48 Leo Awards on Sunday.
Estenzo, the University of Cebu College of Law dean, admitted that never did he imagine the humble 6-foot-10 center to achieve the heights that he has reached.
"When I saw him, I saw the potential," looking back at that first meeting when Fajardo's father Bonifacio brought the young June Mar to Sanciangko in hopes of even just landing an athletic scholarship.
"I was impressed with his height, but more importantly his determination to succeed."
Estenzo bared: "When they came to us, he was not a good player. But he learned the
rudiments of the game in the University of Cebu. He was never absent in our practices. He was the first to come and the last to leave, so I really said this guy will go places."
True enough, Fajardo flew high, not just for the Webmasters which he led to two CESAFI crowns but everywhere he went, from San Miguel where he became the cornerstone of 10 championships and to Gilas Pilipinas where he was part of an Asian Games gold.
"He tries his best and he does not mind the obstacles that came his way," he stated.
But what sets Fajardo apart from the other greats is his down to earth demeanor, one that Estenzo is greatly proud of as the San Miguel big man remains grounded up to this day.
"He's special because he has not changed. He did not let success go to his head. He is still the same June Mar Fajardo that came to us many years ago, the same June Mar Fajardo that he is at present," he said.
"With so many accolades that he has received, he’s still the same June Mar."
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