It's not just about the awards for eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.
When he first showed up at University of Cebu more than a decade ago, June Mar Fajardo was far from the basketball superstar that he is right now.
While the height was there, Fajardo had zero to little skills in basketball.
But the 6-foot-10 pride of Pinamungajan, Cebu had something in him: The unparalleled determination to succeed.
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Just ask former UC team manager Atty. Baldomero Estenzo.
“When I saw him, I saw the potential. I was impressed with his height, more importantly, with his determination to succeed,” said Estenzo.
“He learned the rudiments of the game in the University of Cebu. But he was never absent in our practices. He was the first to come and the last to leave. So, I said, this guy will go places.”
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Fajardo made a prophet out of the amiable official and even exceeded expectations.
He has since raked in 10 championships and countless individual awards, the latest being his eighth Most Valuable Player recognition — the most in league history — as San Miguel's main man in the PBA.
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With that, Fajardo has also made a strong case for being the PBA GOAT.
Asked what sets Fajardo apart from other greats, Estenzo said that the San Miguel ace remains unaffected by his success.
“He’s special because he has not changed. He did not let success go to his head," said Estenzo.
"He is still the same June Mar Fajardo that came to us many years ago, the same Fajardo that he is at present. With the so many accolades that he’s received, he’s still the same June Mar,” he added.
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And Fajardo plans to keep it that way.
“Tsini-cherish ko 'yung mga awards pero kini-keep ko lang sa puso ko. Never umakyat sa isip ko,” Fajardo said.
“Kaya every conference, gusto ko, go hard. Mindset ko, dapat gusto kong manalo ng first championship ko.”