PBA: June Mar Fajardo, Jeff Chan admit feeling fatigue after Gilas Pilipinas stint

 

Despite fatigue from three months of playing for the national team in major international competitions, Gilas Pilipinas members June Mar Fajardo and Jeff Chan played for their respective club teams in the new PBA season.

 

Both players said they have not fully recovered yet from their stints in the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Asian Games, but decided to sacrifice for their teams' campaign in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup.

 

"'Di pa talaga nakarecover, pero kailangan e, very short 'yung conference din. Kailangan kumpleto kami," Chan said. "Hopefully next game nga andyan na rin si Gabe e."

 

Rain or Shine teammate Gabe Norwood, who also played for Gilas, missed the first game of the season against San Miguel after spending some time with his family in the United States.

 

Chan visibly struggled in the game, shooting 4-of-16 from the field. He said he is only at 75-80 percent of his top condition.

 

"Medyo kanina naman na-fi-feel ko pa. Medyo maano pa 'yung legs ko," the shooting guard said.

 

After his stint in the Asiad with Gilas, Chan said he asked the coaching staff of Rain or Shine to give him 10 days of rest in order to recuperate.

 

"Nag-rest ako pero nag-gym ako. Pero walang connection sa ball. Para bumalik 'yung lakas ko kasi medyo nanghina rin tayo."

 

Fajardo, meanwhile, played well with 16 points and 10 rebounds to help San Miguel Beermen bag the victory against strong contender Elasto Painters.

 

When asked of his body's condition after his good performance, the center said he still feels heavy from the fatigue.

 

"Hindi ang bigat nga e. Sobrang bigat nga," Fajardo said.

 

The big man had only two days of rest before joining team practice, but his desire to win the championship for his team motivated him.

 

"Wala namang problema sa akin. Gusto namin mag-champion e, so kailangan sakripisyo lang."

 

During the game, Fajardo was even able to show his improvements from international play with the addition of jumpers in his shooting arsenal.

 

"Ine-extend ko 'yung laro ko sa labas pero more on sa ilalim pa rin ako," Fajardo said. — JST, GMA News