Rise of the Kraken

The Kraken's just begun
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Born of deep sea legend, the Kraken surveys his newfound domain where all are prey, where he is king. He stands tall, constantly making a mockery of those who dare defy his rule. This is a new era; this is the time for beasts and monsters.

But to the Kraken, they all bow.

The Petron Blaze Boosters’ 6”11, 269 lbs giant rookie Junemar Fajardo might have started his pro career on an uneven note no thanks to a serious lower body injury that required surgery, but there’s no question that he is here and that he is, unlike his moniker-namesake, for real.


Already averaging a respectable 11 points and 9 rebounds in just 26 minutes per game, Fajardo continues to add to his young legend with his current run in the PBA Governor’s Cup Finals. The Cebuano giant has been scoring more and more each game while also lording it over the glass (18 points and 15 rebounds average in the five games played in the Finals) and looking completely unstoppable—this, despite his still developing post game thanks to mentor and teammate 2x PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso.

Comparisons have already been made with elite PBA centers such as Ildefonso, Asi Taulava, Marlou Aquino and some but we argue that at this point in his career, Fajardo has already surpassed Taulava back when the Fil-Tonggan was still sporting blonde locks as a green-horn.

No disrespect to Taulava, but he never really had that legit back-to-the-basket post game or off-the-glass finish as Fajardo does now. The Cebuano also outshines his elders due to his fantastic mid range, bunny-hop jumpshot range and free throw shooting.

There are talks that the way Fajardo’s going, he’ll be a lock to be league MVP in maybe a year or two’s time and continue to build on his legend.

The legend of the Kraken.