June Mar Fajardo is widely regarded as one of the best centers in PBA history, dominating the paint and leading San Miguel Beermen to multiple championships over the years. His impressive skills and stature have made him the cornerstone of the team, earning him multiple MVP titles and a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. However, despite his undeniable talent, there are growing concerns that the team’s over-reliance on Fajardo might be limiting the development and potential of other players, particularly when he’s injured or unavailable.
The Case for Fajardo’s Dominance:
Fajardo’s influence on San Miguel Beermen cannot be overstated. As the team’s focal point, his presence in the paint has often been the key to their success. His ability to dominate the boards, protect the rim, and finish inside has been crucial to the Beermen’s winning formula. He is the clear leader, and many of the team’s offensive plays run through him, whether it’s creating opportunities for others or finishing strong in the post.
In a league where dominant big men are rare, Fajardo’s skillset has allowed him to stand out as one of the most formidable players in PBA history. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a player that any team would want to build around. Yet, this heavy reliance on Fajardo comes with its own set of challenges.
The Problem with Over-reliance:
While Fajardo’s contributions are invaluable, some critics argue that San Miguel’s heavy dependence on him may be preventing the team from reaching its full potential. The problem becomes particularly evident when Fajardo is unable to play, whether due to injury or other reasons.
When Fajardo is sidelined, the Beermen often struggle to find their rhythm. His absence exposes a potential weakness in the team’s structure: a lack of preparation for a scenario where Fajardo is not available to dominate the game. In such situations, players who could potentially take on bigger roles, such as Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot, or Chris Ross, may find themselves underutilized or unable to carry the team effectively.
The over-reliance on Fajardo also means that other players might not be given the opportunity to step up and develop their skills in high-pressure situations. The Beermen have some of the most talented players in the league, yet they sometimes appear to struggle to assert themselves when Fajardo isn’t available. This dynamic can hinder the growth of the team as a whole, as it forces players to take a backseat rather than stepping into leadership roles.
The Issue of Injuries:
Fajardo has faced multiple injuries throughout his career, and while he has always been able to recover and come back strong, these injuries highlight a serious concern for the Beermen. The team’s reliance on one player—no matter how talented—makes them vulnerable to setbacks when that player is unavailable. If Fajardo is out due to injury, the Beermen are often forced to rely on a patchwork strategy, rather than a well-rounded team approach.
Moreover, injuries to Fajardo have exposed a lack of depth in the Beermen’s frontcourt, with no other player fully capable of filling the giant shoes he leaves behind. This puts additional pressure on the team’s perimeter players to carry the load, which isn’t always ideal, especially when they aren’t accustomed to shouldering that responsibility.
The Need for Balance:
For the San Miguel Beermen to continue to be a championship contender, there needs to be a balance between Fajardo’s dominance and the development of the team’s other players. While Fajardo will always be the backbone of the Beermen, there should be a concerted effort to ensure that other players are given more responsibility and opportunities, even when Fajardo is on the court.
By fostering a more balanced offensive and defensive approach, San Miguel can become a more unpredictable and versatile team, capable of thriving even in the absence of its star center. Players like Lassiter, Ross, and Cabagnot have proven their skills, and the team would benefit from creating systems that allow them to take on more prominent roles, rather than always relying on Fajardo to bail them out.
Looking Ahead:
The debate over Fajardo’s role on the San Miguel Beermen is likely to continue, especially as the team looks to maintain its position at the top of the PBA. While Fajardo’s greatness is unquestioned, his heavy influence on the team’s success may be limiting the potential of the players around him.
If the Beermen are to remain a dominant force in the PBA, they will need to find ways to develop a more balanced and flexible team, one that doesn’t rely solely on Fajardo’s presence. This will allow the Beermen to not only weather injuries but also ensure that the next generation of players can step up and continue the team’s legacy of success. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between Fajardo’s individual brilliance and the collective strength of the entire team.
