June Mar’s absence bares new – equally dangerous – side to San Miguel Beer

Barangay Ginebra takes on San Miguel Beer in a best-of-five semifinal contest in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup, and coach Tim Cone only wants the series to go on longer.

“Hopefully this is the best of the seven because it gives you more mistakes. He has proven in the last three games without Juni Mar [Fajardo]to be able to play at a high level without him,” Cone said during Sunday night’s quick 127-93 win over NLEX.

It is this very flaw, according to the experienced tactician, that allows the Beermen to unlock different plays and effectiveness.

“[T]hey play a little faster, a little more up and down. their import (Cameron Clark) has a chance to dominate a little more inside. He has managed to overcome June Mar’s absence with flying colors,” he added.

Knee problem

Fajardo is out for several more weeks with a knee problem he picked up during the East Asian Super League in Japan earlier this month.

Interestingly, it was during the gig when San Miguel met the main weapon outside June March In two blowouts suffered at the hands of the top Korean and Japanese clubs, CJ Perez is easily the best local for the Beermen.

“CJ is playing MVP (most valuable player) basketball. Nobody can stop him from going to the basket. And he has great balance – he’s hitting threes,” he said.

“They have a lot of weapons there, and we just have to try to find a way to contain some of them—import them. [and] especially CJ. He moves the ball better than before and I think that’s one of the keys to success offensively,” he said.

Aside from Perez, Vic Manuel and Mo Tautuaa have been alive for the Beermen. Saddled by various ailments during the Commissioner’s Cup, both have played assertively for the proud club in the end.

Live again

Barangay Ginebra, is now a team that has to deal with injuries.

The Gin Kings will be playing without Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio—two integral cogs in the championship machine that saw the club rule this conference four times in the last five editions.

But like Perez up for the Beermen, the Gin Kings have enjoyed a resurgence play from Christian Standhardinger.

Standhardinger has hit double-doubles with similar frequency during his time at NorthPort. His good play—which he complemented with Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee—has put him in the early lead in the race for Conference Player of the Year.

However, against the dangerous and deep San Miguel, Standhardinger’s role had to change again.

“Christian is our June Mar stopper and he’s the best player in the league in terms of matching up to June March. Now that June Mar is gone, the job will change,” Cone said of his high IQ and high-motor wards.

“We’re going to try to put him in a position where he can use his defensive skills as much as possible, whether it’s going to be an assist or whether it’s going to guard those imports or whatever.” INQ

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