NLEX Road Warriors’ Dominic Fajardo in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—After NLEX defeated Magnolia in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday, the Road Warriors erupted into cheers so loud it was hard to miss from the hallways of Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
What the team was cheering about, more than just the victory, was unclear for a time but not until NLEX team manager Larry Fonacier pulled Dominic Fajardo out of the locker room to sign some papers.
After Fajardo signed on the dottle line, Fonacier revealed that the NLEX management decided to bump up Fajardo’s salary due to his exemplary play in the all-Filipino conference.
READ: On cusp of PBA dream, security officer Dominick Fajardo has preferences
“If you remember in the past games, Dominic played awesome,” said Fonacier after the Road Warriors’87-74, win over Magnolia.
“We actually played small ball with him. He almost became like our Draymond Green because he played really well. He just took advantage of his playing time because we had injured guys. He played admirably and he really fits in NLEX’s system.”
“Looking at his story, from where he began to where he is now, finishing games and playing a crucial role in our team, I think it’s just fair that we give him an increase, mid-season.”
On Saturday’s stunning domination of the Hotshots, Fajardo made the most out of his playing time with six points and six rebounds in close to 15 minutes.
READ: PBA On Tour: Security officer Dom Fajardo leads NLEX comeback win
The score may be little numbers to some, but consistency has been something Fajardo has been chipping in for the Road Warriors in their blazing 5-1 start to the conference.
Examplary attitude
If Fonacier has any say about it, Fajardo’s contributions are just what NLEX needs to back up guys like Robert Bolick and Tony Semerad.
“The way he’s so hungry to learn and how he’s so humble to work on his game, that kind of attitude will do well for him. that’s the kind of character we want here in NLEX.”
Fajardo impressed the management so much, in fact, that the salary bump was only discussed by Fonacier with the franchise’s bosses this week.
READ: PBA: Robert Bolick powers NLEX past Magnolia
“They said I was playing well so I was given a reward by our bosses, management and our coaches. They gave me a reward and adjusted my salary… but now I have to double my effort,” said a motivated Fajardo.
Fajardo’s story has been long discussed in the PBA. Fajardo went from being a security crew for NLEX, to playing in the PBA 3×3 and now a “well-compensated” Road Warrior.
Now the 30-year-old, big bodied forward has a chance to celebrate it all and soak in the moment, but complacency isn’t in the dictionary.
“I’m well compensated now so I’ll double my effort in games and practice,” assured Fajardo.
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Currently, the Bulacan State University product is averaging 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in only 24 minutes a night.