CEBU, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra big man Prince Caperal said a healthy Junemar Fajardo surely poses a serious threat in the Kings’ Philippine Cup title defense, nevertheless he welcomes the return of the six-time Most Valuable Player in San Miguel Beer’s fold come the PBA Season 46 slated to kick off on April 9.

With the 6-foot-9 Cebuano behemoth set for a much awaited PBA comeback after fully recovering from an shin injury he suffered during pratice almost a year ago, Caperal gamely admitted that it would be a tough challenge for them as they seek back-to-back championships in the All-Filipino Conference.

“Ganun talaga pag nagcha-champion, may target ka sa likod. Mahigpitan ang labanan,” said Caperal in a report by PBA.ph.

Caperal was recently honored as Most Improved Player of the pandemic-disrupted Philippine Cup bubble play wherein Ginebra emerged as champion, finishing off the TNT Tropang Giga in five games of their best-of-seven finals series for its first all-Filipino crown in 13 years.

As they bid to protect their throne, it’s going to be competely different task for the Kings this time now that Fajardo is around to anchor the Beermen.

Even if they’re rivals on the hardcourt though, the 27-year-old Caperal has nothing but words of praise and respect for Fajardo, whom he describes as one of the nicest players around the league.

“I’m glad na babalik na si June Mar. Sobrang sarap makipag-laro kay June Mar,” said Caperal. “MVP. Sobrang nakaka-challenge. Sobrang laking tao pero sobrang bait. Ang hirap dikitan, masyado mabait kasi.” — EBV