Ang lala ng sinapit ng SMB sa Japan! Kinuyog si June Mar Fajardo! Pang PBA lang nga ba?

The Harrowing Tale of SMB in Japan: June Mar Fajardo Under Siege! Is He Just for PBA?

It was supposed to be a thrilling showcase of Philippine basketball talent on foreign soil. The San Miguel Beermen (SMB), carrying the pride of the PBA, were ready to flex their muscles in the East Asia Super League (EASL). Fans were eager to see how their beloved team, led by the gentle giant June Mar Fajardo, would stack up against the best of Japan. But instead of a triumphant homecoming, it turned into a night to forget—and for June Mar, perhaps one of the most harrowing moments of his career.

The Beermen faced Ryukyu Golden Kings, one of Japan’s finest. It was a matchup brimming with anticipation. The game began with SMB’s usual flair: CJ Perez darted through defenders, Terrence Romeo lit up from mid-range, and Fajardo established his dominance in the paint. But as the game wore on, Ryukyu’s strategy became chillingly clear—neutralize Fajardo at all costs.

And boy, did they take that to heart.

Ryukyu’s defense turned ferocious. Every time June Mar touched the ball, a swarm of defenders descended on him. Double-teams became triple-teams; elbows flew like confetti, and any hope of clean post-ups turned into wrestling matches. Fajardo, always the calm and collected anchor, found himself in an unfamiliar position—frustrated, battered, and visibly drained.

Fans watching live and online couldn’t help but wonder: Was this basketball or a free-for-all? Social media lit up with cries of injustice.

“Is this how Japan treats international stars?”
“June Mar’s built for PBA dominance, but this is next-level hostility!”

Despite the chaos, Fajardo soldiered on, finishing with a double-double. But it was clear that the constant harassment had taken its toll—not just on him but on the entire SMB squad. The Beermen faltered in the clutch, falling to the Kings by double digits.

The game raised questions that many were reluctant to confront: Is June Mar Fajardo, a six-time PBA MVP, truly ready for the international stage? Or is the PBA, where his dominance reigns supreme, his true ceiling?

For Fajardo’s loyal fans, the answer is obvious. “The Kraken” has the skills, heart, and basketball IQ to succeed anywhere. What he needs is a system that complements his play and referees who’ll give him a fair shake.

But for now, the narrative persists. Can the pride of the PBA adapt to the global game? Or is it time for SMB and Fajardo to recalibrate their approach in future international campaigns?

One thing is certain: the Japan experience was a wake-up call—not just for June Mar but for Philippine basketball. And if there’s one thing we know about Fajardo, it’s that he learns fast. The Kraken will rise again.