By: Alyssa Aquino
File Photo by Angela Davocol
Christian Fajarito explained his absence in the upcoming NCAA Season 95 for the Letran Knights.
The 6’6 forward confirmed that he is going to suit up for Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines in the on-going Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup.
His decision to forego this season certainly did not come as planned.
Saddled with personal issues during the offseason, Fajarito had to take a leave from the team to attend to his problems.
Seeing how the team has already jelled without him, the 23-year old said that he did not want to take away spots for players who have worked all summer long for a spot in the roster.
“Hindi ko desisyon ‘yun, promise. Gusto ko pa mag-NCAA, nag-MPBL ako para extra experience, tapos extra income kasi kailangan talaga ng family ko. May pagsubok na binigay sa akin, sa amin, si God na kailangan ko labanan,” explained Fajarito who assured that he will be back.
“Ayoko naman maging unfair sa iba na nag-ensayo whole year tapos ako na walang ensayo mali-line-up. Nag-MPBL ako, kukuha lang ako more experience para pagbalik ko may maipapakita ako,” he added.
A transferee from College of St. Benilde, Fajarito formed a formidable frontline tandem with Larry Muyang, and the pair proved to be unstoppable in dominating their opponents down low last season.
Despite missing time, Fajarito’s faith with the team remains unwavering.
The lanky big-man expressed confidence that his frontline tandems in Muyang and Jeo Ambohot will be able to hold the fort - alongside newcomers Mark Sangalang and Ato Ular.
“Syempre yung bilis ‘tsaka ilalim kasi andun Muyang, Ambohot. Nadagdag pa yung Sanggalang at Ular,” said Fajarito.
“Malaki expectation ko sa kanila. Malakas team, kaya nila mag-champion, laro lang sila as one.”
In the meantime, Fajarito said that he’s doing extra-work for himself as he prepares for the upcoming MPBL season.
He’s hoping he can learn from facing more-experienced players, something that he can bring when he returns to Letran.
“Syempre marami sa MPBL mga ng galing na sa PBA marami expierience. Sympre makakalaban at matuto ako mag adjust sa mga ibat-ibang kalaban,” Fajarito said.
“Malalaman ko pa yung kahinaan ko na pwede ko mapalakas bago yung next season.” he added.