“Fajardo is Too Physical, Which Will Reduce His Effectiveness as He Ages”
June Mar Fajardo has long been a dominant force in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), using his immense size, strength, and athleticism to control the paint on both ends of the floor. His powerful post moves, rebounding ability, and rim protection have made him one of the league’s most imposing big men. However, there is growing concern that his physically demanding style of play may not be sustainable as he ages. As Fajardo continues to grow older, critics worry that his reliance on strength and athleticism could diminish, potentially limiting his effectiveness and contribution to the team.
The Physical Toll of Fajardo’s Game
Fajardo’s game has always been built around his physicality. He dominates the paint by using his strength to push defenders around, grab rebounds, and finish strong at the rim. While this has made him a force to be reckoned with, the physical nature of his play comes with its risks. Playing in the paint constantly absorbs hits, which can put significant strain on a player’s body. Over time, the toll of such an intense style of play can wear down a player’s joints, muscles, and overall stamina. This becomes a growing concern as players age and their recovery and physical resilience naturally decline.
For Fajardo, who has been a central figure for San Miguel Beermen for years, there is a legitimate question as to how long his body can handle the physical punishment of playing in the post and battling for every rebound. As he enters his 30s, the ability to sustain such a physically demanding game may begin to wane, which could impact his overall performance and durability.
Stamina and Recovery Challenges
A significant factor that could affect Fajardo as he ages is the impact on his stamina and recovery. Players who rely heavily on physical strength, like Fajardo, often find it more challenging to recover from intense games as they grow older. The wear and tear on the body, particularly for players who spend a lot of time in the paint, can result in longer recovery times and potentially increased vulnerability to injuries.
Fajardo’s ability to consistently give maximum effort on both ends of the floor could be compromised if his recovery slows down. As his stamina dips and his body becomes more susceptible to fatigue, his performance on the court could diminish, impacting not just his individual contributions but also the Beermen’s overall success.
The Need for Evolution
As Fajardo ages, it will become increasingly important for him to adjust his playing style to stay relevant in the league. Centers in modern basketball are expected to be more versatile, able to contribute both in the paint and from the perimeter. While Fajardo has shown dominance in the post for much of his career, a lack of a consistent outside game and reliance on strength could limit his long-term effectiveness.
To ensure he remains an elite player, Fajardo may need to expand his skill set. This could include developing a reliable mid-range jumper or improving his passing and decision-making skills. By becoming less dependent on brute strength and focusing more on basketball IQ and technique, Fajardo could extend his career and remain a key player for the Beermen.
Longevity Concerns in the Modern Game
The pace of the game is also evolving, and teams are shifting toward faster, more versatile lineups. The traditional, physically imposing big man is becoming less common, and more players are expected to be able to stretch the floor, move fluidly, and contribute in a variety of ways. This shift poses a challenge for players like Fajardo, who has built his career around his ability to dominate in the low post. As he ages and his physical abilities naturally decline, his ability to keep up with the more agile and perimeter-oriented centers will be tested.
While Fajardo’s contributions to the Beermen have been immense, his physical playing style may limit his ability to adapt to these changes. For the team to remain competitive, Fajardo may need to evolve and embrace new aspects of the game.
Conclusion
June Mar Fajardo’s physicality has been a defining feature of his career, allowing him to dominate the paint and contribute greatly to the San Miguel Beermen’s success. However, as he ages, concerns about the sustainability of his style of play—relying on strength and athleticism—are growing. The physical toll of constant battles in the post, combined with the natural decline in stamina and recovery as he gets older, could reduce Fajardo’s effectiveness on the court.
To maintain his status as one of the league’s best, Fajardo will need to adapt and find ways to complement his physical game with a more diversified skill set. Expanding his range, improving his basketball IQ, and adjusting his style of play to match the evolving demands of modern basketball could help him continue to be a dominant force for years to come. While his physicality has served him well, Fajardo’s longevity in the league may ultimately depend on his ability to evolve his game as he ages.
