Fajardo shoulders Gilas big-man duties in absence of Kai Sotto, Millora-Brown

JUNE MAR FAJARDO is embracing the burden that awaits him and the rest of the Gilas Pilipinas frontcourt with Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown missing the coming campaign.

“Doble kayod tayo. Kahit wala sila, gagawin natin ang paghahanda,” Mr. Fajardo, who received another “Mr. Basketball” citation from the Philippine Sportswriters Association on Monday night.

The 6-foot-10 Mr. Fajardo realizes it will be a tall order for him, AJ Edu and new addition Justine “Balti” Baltazar during the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against two Oceania powerhouses, New Zealand (Feb. 26) and Australia (March 1).

“Mabibigat na kalaban ‘yun. Kailangan natin paghandaan nang husto,” he said.

Gilas got the ball rolling with an afternoon session at Upper Deck on Monday with more intense workouts slated at Inspire Sports Academy beginning on Wednesday.

Initial practices feature stalwarts from the PBA with the overseas-based mainstays like Dwight Ramos and Mr. Edu expected to get on board in the next few days.

The 6-foot-9 Mr. Baltazar joined coach Tim Cone’s pool right on Day 1.

“He’s a really versatile player as a big man, he’s a 6-9 guy who can play the wing,” Mr. Cone said of the Converge sophomore. “If we can get him up to step in what we do and how we do it and if we can get him to defend, that’s really the key.”

Balti knows exactly what the Nationals require of him.

“Number one depensa,” he said. “Ibibigay ko talaga best ko, gagawin ko talaga ’yung role ko kung makapasok sa Final 12.” — Olmin Leyba