June Mar Fajardo stuffs his Most Valuable Player haul with his eighth as he gets the top individual recognition anew for PBA Season 48.
If there is still any doubt June Mar Fajardo is among the Top 5 greatest PBA players, if not the greatest, this one should erase that once and for all.
The San Miguel superstar received his eighth Most Valuable Player award on Sunday, Aug.18, in the Leo Awards that ushered in the league's 49th season.
A 10-time Best Player of the Conference award winner, Fajardo edged out teammate CJ Perez and erstwhile Ginebra big Christian Standhardinger for the highest individual plum.
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At the end of Season 48, Fajardo led the statistical race after garnering 42.1 SPs (statistical points) as he averaged 17.8 points, 13.4 rebounds (league best), 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks for the Beermen.
With him in tow, the Beermen made both the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup Finals.
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While San Miguel lost in the finals to Meralco, Fajardo emerged as BPC, extending his record for most in league history.
“Masaya ako na nakuha ko ulit 'yung MVP award. 'Di ko naman talaga goal 'yung MVP pero thankful ako kay God, thankful ako sa PBA, thankful ako sa inyong media sa votes ninyo," said Fajardo.
"Itong mga awards na 'to [ikini-credit] ko rin sa mga teammates ko. 'Di ko makukuha 'to kung hindi dahil sa mga teammates ko. Tinutulungan nila ako. Pati mga coaches din. Para sa kanila 'to.”
Fajardo amassed a total of 2799 points, including 1615 from stats, 855 from media and 329 from the players.
He is also joined by Standhardinger, Perez, Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort, and Chris Newsome of Meralco in the first mythical team.
Meralco’s Cliff Hodge, TNT’s Calvin Oftana, Phoenix’s Jason Perkins, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt, and Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson make up the second mythical selection.
Fajardo was also part of the all-defensive team that included Hodge, Kemark Carino of Terrafirma, NorthPort’s Joshua Munzon and Newsome.
Meanwhile, Holt was named Rookie of the Year while Rain or Shine’s Jhonard Clarito was hailed Most Improved Player and Paul Zamar was feted with the Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award.