PBA: June Mar Fajardo helps San Miguel win playing passer’s role

San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo in action against Converge in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo has been a walking double-double throughout his playing career.

He recorded another one on Wednesday night against Converge, but it wasn’t his usual double-digit points and rebounds.

In a rare stat line for the league’s gentle giant, Fajardo recorded 21 rebounds and a career-high-tying 10 assists to help the Beermen beat the FiberXers, 126-114, in the PBA Governors’ Cup. He also had zero turnovers and four blocks in close to 40 minutes of action.

“We’re a team loaded with scorers. We have a lot of them,” Fajardo told the Inquirer in Filipino. “We’re missing some role players. I’m willing to play the role of passer.”

“It’s okay even if I don’t score a lot. My teammates’ score is my score too and the entire team’s score. I don’t want to compete in scoring. If there’s a chance, I’ll make the pass.”

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With George King clicking on offense on his way to an efficient 46-point night, scoring was the least of Fajardo’s worries. He was missing some shots too, going just 1-of-8 from the field for five points, which he more than made up for with his unselfishness that created a lot of scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Aside from King, who shot 17-of-26 from the field and grabbed 14 rebounds, Don Trollano led all locals with 27 points. Jerrick Ahanmisi added 15, while Marcio Lassiter, Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial combined for 26.

“All I need to do is attract a double team and for sure, someone will be open. I just found whoever was open and my teammates barely miss when they’re open,” said Fajardo.