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20 November, 2017
26 February, 2019
15 June Mar Fajardo (PHI)
16/05/2018
News
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Fajardo welcomes opportunity to face Australia again in third window

MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Philippines center June Mar Fajardo will have a tall task ahead of him as he's set to face some big names in the Asian Qualifiers third window.

The 28-year-old Fajardo has been solid so far for Gilas Pilipinas, averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 block per game while also shooting 54.1 percent from the field.

He has been a capable sidekick to naturalized player Andray Blatche in the middle for the Filipinos, though he knows that it'll be a tougher challenge in the next window, especially with Chinese Taipei facing a must-win situation on 29 June and the Australia parading some of their top tier players on 2 July.

The soft-spoken gentle giant, however, chooses to take everything in stride and remains positive.

"Of course there is pressure for the next window, but we in the team just need to trust each other and our system," he said.

Chinese Taipei will once again be anchored on the production of their own prized slotman Quincy Davis, while Australia will reportedly be bannered by former NBA top overall pick Andrew Bogut and Milwaukee Bucks rising star Thon Maker.

Even with the prospect of facing such top flight competition, Fajardo - a 4-time PBA Most Valuable Player - is unfazed. He is confident that the Philippines coaches will come up with an effective strategy to put themselves in a position to win.

"We just really need to follow the game plan that our coaches prepare," he said. "Whatever role coach gives me, I'll accept and fulfill. We will play against strong players and teams, but I'm just thankful to the team and the coaches for their confidence in me."

Gilas Pilipinas will play Chinese Taipei at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium and then host Australia at the Philippine Arena, which can seat up to 50,000 fans.

FIBA