Junemar Fajardo is back, and he’s not wasting any time reminding everyone why he’s the reigning eight-time PBA MVP. In San Miguel’s season opener, Fajardo delivered a jaw-dropping performance with 37 points and 24 rebounds, guiding the Beermen to a hard-fought 111-107 victory over the Phoenix Fuelmasters. This wasn’t just a typical dominant game for Fajardo; it was a statement that despite all the talk about new challengers, Fajardo is still the league’s most unstoppable force. And here’s the kicker: the PBA’s new 4-point play might just make him even scarier.
Let’s talk about spacing. The introduction of the 4-point line has added an intriguing wrinkle to the PBA game, and if Wednesday’s opener is any indication, it could be a godsend for Fajardo. Consider this: defenders now have to respect the deep range of shooters like CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz, Marcio Lassiter, and Simon Enciso, who can legitimately threaten from beyond the 4-point arc. What does that mean for Fajardo? A few extra inches of space that, for most players, might seem trivial but for a behemoth like Fajardo, it’s the difference between a contested shot and an easy bucket.
In the past, teams would often collapse on Fajardo, daring San Miguel’s perimeter players to beat them. But now, with the 4-point line stretching defenses thin, doubling Fajardo becomes riskier than ever. The mere presence of shooters on the 4-point line pulls defenders out further, creating wider lanes and cleaner looks for Fajardo. This isn’t just theory—it played out in real time against Phoenix. Every time the Fuelmasters had to extend their defense to guard the 4-point line, Fajardo had just a bit more room to operate, and he made them pay dearly for it.
The scary part? This might just be the beginning. If San Miguel’s shooters continue to hit from deep and their import can draw attention on the inside, Fajardo could find himself in the most favorable conditions he’s ever played in. We’re talking about a big man who’s already a nightmare to defend, now potentially getting the ball with more space, more time, and more opportunities to dominate.
What could possibly slow him down? The usual suspects—injuries and perhaps foul trouble. But even then, if Fajardo stays healthy and the Beermen’s shooters continue to stretch the floor, it’s hard to see anyone containing him. His combination of size, skill, and now, improved spacing makes him a matchup nightmare.
Is it too early to start talking about a ninth MVP for Fajardo? Maybe. But after watching him dismantle Phoenix with his vintage dominance, it’s clear that he’s not just resting on his laurels. The 4-point play might have been designed to increase scoring from the perimeter, but in Fajardo’s case, it might just help him put up the most monstrous numbers of his career. The Kraken has been unleashed, and the PBA should brace itself for what could be another MVP-caliber season from its most dominant player.
Comments
Post a Comment