Petron gets Fajardo

MANILA—The Petron Blaze added to its already strong roster 6’10” June Mar Fajardo of University of Cebu as the no. 1 overall pick during Sunday’s 38th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Annual Rookie Draft at the Robinson’s Place in Malate, Manila.

Fajardo, also a former standout of the San Miguel Beermen in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), vowed to help the Blaze Boosters in their campaign next season, which saw them failing to reach the finals and failing to defend the Governor’s Cup won by Rain or Shine Elastto Painters.

“I thank Petron for putting their trust in me. I will really play hard and try to improve my game so that I can help the team. I also thank the University of Cebu because without them I wouldn’t be here now. I owe them a lot,” said Fajardo after being chosen as the overall pick this year to join the ranks of JV Casio, Jay Washington, Kelly Williams and Joe Devance as no. 1 draftee in the professional
league.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud also reminded the 57 applicants that their quest does not end in the drafting but it only serves as the beginning of a continuous commitment to the league and thousands of followers.

“I want to instill and illuminate a model of integrity. Joining the PBA is not an end but it is just the beginning of a continuing commitment,” said Salud.

After Petron, the Alaska Aces chose reigning NCAA MVP Calvin Abueva of San Sebastian College Stags as the No. 2, while Petron picked 6’2” Filipino-American Alex Mallari as no. 3. Meralco Took 6’3” Clifford Hodge as no. 4 overall with former Far Eastern University stalwart 6’6” Aldrich Ramos going to the Barako Bull Energy Cola as the fifth pick.

“This is another stellar year for the PBA. When I look at the roster, they are fast-paced, they are fresh talents, new faces,” added Salud.

The 6’4” Christopher Ellis, who played with the PH team in the Indonesian Southeast Asian Games, was picked by Ginebra as no. 6 with former RP-Smart Gilas national team skipper Chris Tiu as no. 7 going to Rain or Shine.

Tiu, a former Ateneo Blue Eagle, said he was glad to join grade school and high school teammate TY Tang with the Elasto Painters, who also has last year’s no. 2 pick Paul Lee in their line-up.

Ginebra, which also owned the no. 8 pick, chose 6’4” Fil-Am Keith Jensen and Vic Manuel went to B-Meg Llamados as the ninth pick. New member Global Port Batang Pier has got 6’5” Jason Deutchman as no. 10 pick in the first round.