There's hope for the Philippine team's big-man lineup, now that Asi Taulava is officially retired from international basketball, the Philippines turn to naturalized center Marcus Douthit a former NBA center for the LA Lakers. Naturalizing a player to play for the national team is alien to Filipinos. Some fans just can't accept the fact we need a foreigner to aid us in our pursuit of basketball glory ones more.
But there is one player who stands out, his name is Jun Mar Fajardo a 6'10 260lbs guy who can bang bodies inside, block shots, get rebounds and most importantly be an inside presence for the national team.
At 6'10 260lbs he averages 13pts 13rbs and 1 block per game, he is coordinate, has good footwork inside and with good basic post moves to go with. Although raw and still young the Cebuano giant has always showed eagerness to learn in practice and great heart to play the sport. Unlike his arch nemesis Greg Slaughter who would almost deny his college roots from Cebu, Junmar Fajardo a.k.a "The Kraken" is naturally agile and quick. Jun Mar can actually finish plays with a descent layup, make steals and very importantly finish plays inside.
Although he's no Dwight Howard he's still very much capable of throwing it down when he has possession of the ball, he may not like throw it down like Japeth Aguilar but Jun Mar can definitely jam that basketball with authority.
Jun Mar Fajardo is always being focused during games because there's still an uncertainty on what will happen to this young man, although he has great potential, fans are already anxious to see this big guy dominate the way the young Asi Taulava did, and because he doesn't play like Asi right now, there's a fear that he might be a next Bonil Balingit, but that's just rumors. The way his playing now at 23 year old, he will be an impact player not only in the PBA but all of Asia.
Right now all eyes are on him, as we all watch the potential solution to our long time problem and that's the inside game.