Fajardo Needs to Improve His Ability to Score from Outside the 3 to Complete His Game
June Mar Fajardo’s dominance in the paint has solidified his place as one of the most formidable centers in PBA history. His ability to control the boards, protect the rim, and score efficiently around the basket is undeniable. However, as the game of basketball continues to evolve, some critics argue that Fajardo’s game remains incomplete—largely because of his inability to consistently score from beyond the three-point line.
In an era where versatility is a key component of success, the ability to stretch the floor has become an essential skill for modern centers. Players like Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo have redefined the center position by not only excelling in the paint but also contributing effectively from long-range, making them more dynamic and unpredictable on the floor. Yet, Fajardo, known for his traditional post-play and physicality, still relies heavily on scoring under the basket.
The Modern Game and the Need for Versatility
Today’s basketball landscape increasingly values versatility, especially from big men. Centers are no longer expected to only dominate in the low post; they are also tasked with expanding their game to the perimeter. The ability to shoot from outside the arc forces defenders to respect the entire court, creating more opportunities for both the individual player and the team. Without this added dimension, players like Fajardo become more predictable, with opponents focusing their defensive efforts primarily on neutralizing his inside game.
The rise of stretch centers—big men who can shoot three-pointers—has made the position more dynamic and less reliant on traditional back-to-the-basket moves. As teams like the Golden State Warriors have shown, spacing the floor and allowing for fluid offensive sets is crucial to a team’s success. A center who can shoot from outside adds a layer of unpredictability and makes the offense harder to defend. Fajardo, however, has yet to consistently develop this aspect of his game.
Fajardo’s Strengths in the Paint
Fajardo’s dominance in the paint is still one of the most effective weapons in his arsenal. His size, footwork, and ability to score with his back to the basket have allowed him to dominate in the low post for years. He is a relentless rebounder and shot-blocker, and his physical presence often overwhelms opponents in the paint. For the San Miguel Beermen, Fajardo’s inside game has been the cornerstone of their offensive strategy.
However, his lack of a reliable outside shot has limited his overall versatility. While he is a significant threat in the paint, the absence of a consistent outside shooting game makes him less adaptable to the modern trends in basketball. In today’s game, centers are expected to be more than just rim protectors and post scorers—they must contribute to the team’s spacing and offensive flow from all areas of the court.
The Benefits of Adding a Three-Point Shot
If Fajardo were able to develop a reliable three-point shot, it would significantly elevate his game and make him a more complete player. The ability to shoot from outside would allow him to pull defenders away from the basket, creating more space for teammates to operate. It would also open up the floor for the Beermen, allowing for more fluid ball movement and creating better opportunities for perimeter players.
Moreover, the added threat of Fajardo scoring from deep would force opposing teams to adjust their defensive schemes. Instead of collapsing the defense in the paint, they would need to respect Fajardo’s range, creating mismatches and confusion for defensive units. This would make San Miguel’s offense much more dynamic and difficult to defend.
The Need for Adaptation in a Modern League
While Fajardo’s style of play has certainly been successful in the PBA, the league itself is evolving. The best teams are those that can adapt to the changing trends in basketball, and Fajardo’s game may need to evolve as well. As the sport increasingly shifts towards a perimeter-oriented, fast-paced game, centers who can’t stretch the floor may find themselves at a disadvantage.
The need for Fajardo to develop a more versatile game becomes more pressing as he enters the later stages of his career. If he wants to continue being one of the league’s most dominant players and maintain his effectiveness against younger, more dynamic big men, expanding his skill set to include the ability to score from outside the three-point line is essential.
Conclusion
June Mar Fajardo’s legacy as one of the most dominant big men in PBA history is secure. However, to stay at the top of his game and remain relevant in the evolving landscape of modern basketball, Fajardo must find a way to diversify his skill set. Developing a consistent three-point shot would not only make him a more unpredictable threat but would also elevate the San Miguel Beermen’s offensive system.
As the league continues to embrace versatility, Fajardo has the opportunity to evolve his game and solidify his place as a more complete, multi-dimensional player. While his dominance in the paint remains his strongest asset, expanding his range to the perimeter could help him become even more of a force, both for the Beermen and in the broader context of modern PBA basketball.
