CEBU, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas center and PBA reigning MVP Junemar Fajardo can expect another award from University of Cebu Webmaster after his stellar performance with the national team in the recent 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.
UC team manager lawyer Baldomero C. Estenzo said that they will give a special plaque of recognition to their former center for his exemplary service to Gilas Pilipinas.
Aside from a planned recognition rite, Estenzo said they will also tender a banquet to honor the 6-foot-9 Fajardo.
Fajardo plunged into the news headlines and caught the attention of the FIBA commentators for his performance even if he was given limited minutes during the FIBA tournament. Fajardo was the backup center for naturalized NBA center Andray Blatche during their campaign in the group stage of the World Cup.
Fajardo was hailed as the second most efficient player in the 2014 FIBA World Cup behind Spain's Pau Gasol during the elimination. Fajardo has been rated by Real GM with 44.92 efficiency rating behind Gasol's 48.66.
Nicknamed the ‘Kraken,’ Fajardo is also top five in total rebound percentage at 28.68%. This means that every time there is a miss, there’s a 28.68% chance that he can recover the offensive position by rebound.
Estenzo, who is also the legal adviser of Fajardo and upcoming PBA point guard Brian Quinton Heruela of Blackwater Sports, shared the sentiments of many Filipino basketball fans and millions of netizens saying that Fajardo should have been given a lot more playing time that could have spell difference in the result of their recent campaign. (FREEMAN)