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| Photo courtesy of Interaksyon.com |
Whatever the 6"9 Cebuano giant and Gilas Pilipinas rookie Junemar Fajardo does or brings to the table for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA Asia games-- be it backstopping Marcus Douthit as the team's main anchor or "learning" on the bench ala Japeth Aguilar in previous years (highly unlikely), rest assured that you are looking at the man that will become the pillar for Team Pilipinas just like Asi Taulava did the last decade.
Despite the presence of Douthit, Aguilar and the possible and expected rise of 7"0 Greg Slaughter, the brunt of carrying the legacy of all great Filipino big men rests on Fajardo's broad shoulders. He has the hands for it, he has the size, speed and (as proven by his quick recovery from surgery) the grit to be the country's bannerman for years to come. Are we asking that Gilas head coach Chot Reyes eschew his preferred "small ball" and even ignore Douthit on the block? No. Are we asking that Fajardo gets more touches? No.
What we're simply saying is, Fajardo, right now, is the Great Big Hope and needs to get as much minutes as possible. We're already assured of arguably the biggest (and skilled) frontline if ever Coach Chot feels like playing his "giant trump card" by pairing Douthit AND Fajardo. So anytime Fajardo can see some action and get his fair share of elbows, screen-outs, dirty plays and so on down the block be it in won or lost games-- then so be it.
No need for one-on-one sets really. Just have the young Fajardo position himself where he's most comfortable to receive the basketball (right side of the block, left side for jumpers). When he's open, give him the license to shoot. Bigs tend to be more aggressive and assertive when fed or noticed by their guards and not reduced to being "just a rebounder." Reward him when he runs the floor. Always keep an eye open for gimmes and lobs. Nothing fancy, no "give me 15 seconds with the ball to work my magic ala Dennis Espino," nope, just good old fashioned big man basketball please. Pick and rolls would be nice too.
After all, when push comes to shove, it doesn't hurt to have one of the bigger guys on your side.
He's actually 6'10 without shoes last PBA rookie camp players' height measurement.
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