The Hook Shot: The Kraken's Yet-to-be Perfected Secret Weapon

(Photo by the PBA Media Bureau)

One PBA legend has advised June Mar Fajardo to develop that "shot"

Sure, the San Miguel Beermen have already clinched their 4th consecutive Philippine Cup finals berth by downing the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 5 of their best-of-7 semifinal series but if you've watched the entire series, then you know that life hasn't been easy for June Mar Fajardo as Ginebra immediately threw in double teams every time Fajardo gets the ball on the low post. In effect, that hardened the situation for Fajardo because it's either he was forced to pass it out to an open teammate or, find his way around the double team. And by the way, Fajardo did both on multiple occasions.

However, it appears that we haven't the entire armory of shots that June Mar Fajardo can actually take in games.

As it happens, June Mar Fajardo has yet to perfect his secret weapon: the hook shot. 

In fact, it is one of the shots that his mentor, Mon "El Presidente" Fernandez, has been advising Fajardo to master owing to the fact that the hook shot may be difficult to master but when perfected, it will be more difficult to stop.

Just how many big men in the PBA today take the hook shot as part of their game? On a consistent basis? Just one notable center. His name is Greg Slaughter.

So when are going to see June Mar Fajardo take his game to the next level when he finally includes the hook shot in his arsenal?

Soon. According to Fajardo himself who stated that he wants to take hook shots in games.

Conclusion

At the very least, June Mar Fajardo is more than willing to explore more ways to learn new things that will enable him to dominate the league in the next few years. After all, he has been constantly mentored by one of the PBA's greatest big men in Fernandez. Just imagine if Fajardo masters the hook shot, it will be a nightmare for any player who will guard him because he can virtually do everything. And that's scary.