Trimmed-down June Mar Fajardo planning on regaining old playing weight with SMB

When June Mar Fajardo returned to the Philippine national men’s basketball program in the build-up for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin asked him to lose some unnecessary pounds to be able to perform at the level the veteran mentor wanted.

Baldwin wanted ‘The Kraken’ to become lighter and more mobile to be able to compete on the international stage.

“Sa training nung Gilas, nakabuti pa nga yung pumayat eh,” Fajardo told sportswriters.

Fajardo even joked about his new look, saying it looks better on him outside the playing court. “Eto yung required nung Bench eh,” he said. “Mas okay ito, mas magaan.”

But the 6-foot-10 PBA MVP prefers to return to his usual playing weight, where he has proven effective in using his bulk against his opponents.

“Gusto ko yung medyo mabigat ako. Siguro konting bigat,” he added. “Siguro ngayong conference, sustain muna ito.”

He is considering the options available to him, though, understanding that putting extra weight on could take a toll on his body, especially in the form of injuries.

Last year, he was forced to skip the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship due to a bout with plantar fasciitis. Before rejoining Gilas’ training this year, he was also dealing with a knee injury.

“Yun nga rin ang iniisip ko,” said Fajardo. “Parang mas mabuti na rin yung ganito yung weight ko para hindi masyadong bugbog yung tuhod.” -interaksyon.com