Hanoi SEAG stint a huge confidence boost, says Fajardo

June Mar Fajardo could be poised for a return to old form following his performance in the recent Southeast Asian Games.

The end result of Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign was a total disappointment, but Fajardo was one of the few bright spots in Hanoi, Vietnam with his stellar play mostly down low.

There’s plenty of belief that the San Miguel Beermen star may translate that showing into the upcoming 47th season.

“Malaking tulong yun (SEA Games stint) para sa akin kasi galing ako sa injury tas grateful ako na nakalaro ako sa Gilas. Sayang kinapos pero proud pa rin,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo returned last season after missing the whole 2020 Philippine Cup bubble with an injured shin, averaging 13.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in 32 games.

But even Fajardo admits that there was plenty left to be desired during the 2021-22 season, given his long layoff.

“Nandun naman kumpiyansa ko. yun nga lang medyo nangapa pa talaga ako kasi kakabalik ko lang sa injury,” he said. “So far okay naman yung conditioning ko at sana tuluy-tuloy na.”

In Hanoi, Fajardo averaged 16.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in five games highlighted by numbers of 28 points and 12 rebounds against Thailand, 25 and 11 when it met host Vietnam and 20 and nine during the shock defeat to Indonesia.

Beermen coach Leo Austria certainly liked what he saw from Fajardo not only during the regional meet but also in their preparations for the season-opening Philippine Cup.

“After ng SEA Games, makikita mo na tumaas ang kumpiyansa niya,” Austria said. “And one thing na na-observe ko sa kanya is wala na yung hesitancy niya.

“Makikita mo sa SEA Games na he keeps on running, he keeps on getting the ball in the shaded area. And pagdating niya sa practice, he’s a different June Mar.”