June Mar Fajardo braces for tough Bol Bol test as San Miguel faces TNT

For all the buzz surrounding Bol Bol’s arrival in the PBA, June Mar Fajardo is refusing to view Saturday’s much-anticipated showdown as a personal duel.

The longtime San Miguel star knows the challenge ahead is far bigger than a one-on-one battle, especially against a player as imposing and uniquely skilled as TNT’s towering 7-foot-3 import.

As the Beermen prepare to face the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Fajardo made it clear that containing Bol will require far more than just his individual effort.

“For sure mahihirapan kami. Pero five-on-five naman ito, hindi naman ito one-on-one,” he said.

That mindset reflects the reality of what Bol has already shown in his first two games with the Tropang Giga.

The former NBA big man has wasted no time making his presence felt, averaging 39.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while immediately emerging as one of the most difficult matchups in the conference.

His size alone already changes the way opponents defend, but what makes him even more dangerous is how comfortable he looks producing in space, finishing inside, and creating problems in transition.

That is why Fajardo knows San Miguel cannot afford to simplify the task into one individual matchup.

Even as the nine-time PBA MVP is expected to anchor the Beermen’s interior defense, the responsibility of slowing down Bol will likely depend on how well the entire team rotates, helps, and holds its structure inside.

Still, if that challenge lands directly on him, Fajardo is not shying away from it.

“Pero kung matapat sa akin si Bol, gagawin ko yung best ko na ma-stop siya. Hindi ko man siya ma-totally stop, at least ma-limit ko man lang siya.”

That may be the most realistic goal against a player of Bol’s caliber. No defender is likely to completely erase someone with that kind of size, touch, and freedom to operate. But if San Miguel can disrupt his rhythm and make him work harder for his points, that could be enough to tilt the game.

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The 35-year-old center has also opened the conference in strong form, averaging 21 points and 17.0 rebounds through the Beermen’s first two games. He is once again doing what he has done for years — giving San Miguel a steady, punishing presence in the paint.

That was especially evident in Wednesday’s 103-99 win over Converge, where Fajardo delivered 27 points and 17 rebounds while helping the Beermen survive a physically demanding battle.

It was not just a productive performance. It was also the kind of game that may help prepare him for what Bol brings next.

Against Converge, Fajardo had to battle through constant pressure inside from import Kylor Kelley and local bigs Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, a frontline built to test physicality, positioning, and endurance.

That challenge, while different from what Bol presents, still served as a useful tune-up. Bol is a different kind of problem altogether — taller, longer, and more difficult to scheme for because of how much ground he can cover offensively. But Fajardo’s latest outing showed that he is already entering the TNT game with his rhythm and confidence intact.

That matters for San Miguel, especially in a matchup that could carry early measuring-stick value for both contenders.

The Beermen and Tropang Giga both enter the game with 1-1 records, making the showdown not just a marquee individual matchup, but also an important early test between two teams expected to be in the title picture.

For Fajardo, there is clearly excitement around the challenge — but also the understanding that it will take serious preparation.

“May ilang days pa naman kami kaya paghahandaan namin yung game na yan,” said the veteran center.

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