PBA: June Mar Fajardo says team comes first as scoring milestone within reach

San Miguel star center June Mar Fajardo. PBA ImagesMANILA — Nine-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo is inching closer to yet another milestone in his decorated basketball career.

Fajardo is now five points away from hitting 10,000 points after a 25-point outing in San Miguel’s beating of Terrafirma, 135-105 — an achievement he could have easily touched on Wednesday night, but he deferred that as he thought of his teammates’ playing time.

Coach Leo Austria disclosed that he wanted to put back Fajardo to formalize the milestone, but the gentle giant refused, saying that he wanted his teammates to see action ahead of their blockbuster match against NLEX.

“Actually, gusto ko sana siyang ibalik in the fourth quarter because of that milestone, but he refused to do that because he wants his teammates to play, and have a long playing time inside dahil alam naman niya na na next game, [may] chances pa rin and then after that, may quarterfinals pa,” said Austria.

With the gesture, Fajardo earned the praises of Austria.

“That’s a good thing for a great player like him. Talagang he’s thinking of his teammates,” said the champion coach.

Fajardo, despite the feat is within reach, clarified that he is not chasing it.

“Hindi ko naman chine-chase ‘yun pero thankful ako na mapapasama ako sa 10,000-point club. Isang karangalan na mapabilang ako do’n,” said Fajardo. 

“Pero hindi ko hinahabol ‘yon. Darating at darating din ‘yon.”