PBA legend Manny Victorino only had good things to say about San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo, now his fellow member in the PBA 50 Greatest Players.
From the early 80s to the 90s, Manny Victorino was one of the few bigs who could do a bevy of moves in and around the paint.
The 6-foot-5 PBA great could beat his foe off the dribble or at the post, he could shoot from mid-range, and even ran the court for an easy basket in transition.
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Those kind of things allowed him to win six PBA championships and the Most Improved Player award, as well as earn a spot in the Mythical First Team thrice.
Last April 11, his contributions to the league were immortalized after becoming a member of the exclusive 50 Greatest Players.
“Inaasam asam, hinhintay hintay (yung inclusion). Actually nagpe-pray lagi na Lord kung deserving ako, please let me be one of them,” said Victorino during a gala honoring the 10 newest members of the said list.
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But while the former Great Taste and Purefoods standout was a fearsome cager back in his heydays, he couldn’t help but cede to big men that came after him like June Mar Fajardo.
“Sino pipigil dito,” he said, pointing to the eight-time MVP. “Galing maglaro. Nanliit nga ako eh.”
He proceeded to praise the San Miguel superstar, who is often put in the GOAT debates with Ramon Fernandez and Robert Jaworski.
“Sabi nga nila mahihirapan talaga tapatan to kahit sinong player. kaya talagang paghahandaan mo. Pero I think mahihirapan yung galing nito ni June Mar,” he said.
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Asked how he would fare against the 6-foot-10 behemoth if he were in his prime, Victorino gave a modest answer.
“Nako alam mo sa tingin ko sa laro ni June Mar di kaya ng isang tao to. Di lang triple, double (team) dapat gagawin dito. Pagaaralan mo maigi. Mahihirapan. Nakita ko sya kumilos, talagang napakalakas ng katawan. You cannot stop him especially pag nasa ilalim,” he said.
“Hindi ko sya madaling babantayan. Kaya naalala ko, bago mo to bantayan dapat pupunta ka munang simbahan. Magdadasal ka para magkaron ka ng strength. Ganun kalakas to si June Mar.”