Tigers eye 6-foot-10 Cebuano center for PBA Rookie Draft

Junmar Fajardo, a 6-foot-10 slotman from University of Cebu, is seriously being eyed by the Powerade Tigers for the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft. An unimpeachable source from the Tigers’ squad told GMA News that the team intends to do a lot of retooling with its roster, and now wants to invest in young blood. Recruiting Fajardo, a promising center from the South, might signify the start of the Tigers’ rebuilding program. “We want to build the team around him," said the source, who requested anonymity. “We want to have a young team next season." A team that has had losing seasons the past four years, Powerade is expected to get the No.1 overall draft. "We're likely to get No.1, and the No.3, which we obtained from Rain or Shine," said the source. The same source added that majority of the players have expiring contracts, and only a few will be retained. “The coaching staff hasn’t decided yet," added the source. “We still don’t know who will be retained or who will be left unsigned. All I know is that majority of our players will have expiring contracts." Asked for confirmation, Powerade coach Bo Perasol said they won’t hesitate to pick up the Cebuano slotman. “If Fajardo is in the draft, we will definitely pick him," said Perasol. "The upcoming draft is the highlight of our team’s retooling process," he added in a text message. On Monday, the PBA Office informed GMA News that only four players — Gary David, JR Quinahan, and incoming sophomores Sean Anthony and Jai Reyes — have existing contracts. Fajardo showed his true potential when he led the Webmasters to the Final Four of last year’s Philippine Collegiate Champions League. He scored 30 points and 15 rebounds in the Webmasters’ Final Four encounter against eventual champion Ateneo Blue Eagles. - KY, Rey Joble, GMA News