Fajardo fanboys over Jokic, Marjanovic

FOSHAN, China —June Mar Fajardo could not help but have a fanboy moment with NBA players Nikola Jokic and Boban Marjanovic when Gilas Pilipinas faced Serbia at the FIBA World Cup.

The gentle giant had a smile on his face when he matched up with Dallas’ Mavericks Marjanovic during the game.

“Nung pinostehan niya ko eh, nawala ako eh. Pero masaya,” said the Fajardo, who appeared smaller when standing beside the Serbian tower.

After the game, the Gilas center took off one of his shoes to ask Jokic for an autograph. The Denver Nuggets star obliged, gesturing that he would sign it later in the locker room.

“Nakakatuwa. Dati napapanood mo lang TV tapos ngayon nakalaro mo na di ba,” Fajardo said. “Sobrang liit lang pala ng mundo.”

But it was not all about getting starstruck, as Fajardo said he gained valuable experience from facing NBA players.

“Na-cha-challenge ako. Na-te-test ‘yung lakas ko, then di ba, sa physicality,” he said.

“Kasi nga sobrang bigat niya, mga 300 lbs ata yun,” he said. “Mga 30 lbs ata ‘yung lamang niya sa 'kin. So malaking bagay ‘yun, malaking tulong ‘yun para sa akin.” —LDF, GMA News