Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
After winning his fourth consecutive Most Valuable Player award, the milestones June Mar Fajardo can cross off his checklist seems to be getting smaller and smaller.
But his mentor Danny Ildefonso believes that the Cebuano giant, despite an already successful five-year career, is nowhere near his ceiling and can still win the MVP award again next year.
“I’m proud and happy with the achievements June Mar has been getting, but I think as long as he’s healthy, he can still win more MVPs. It’s good if he gets another one and set a new record being the MVP for the fifth time,” said the San Miguel great, who himself was a two-time MVP.
READ: Fajardo takes home fourth MVP; Four Beermen make it to Mythical 5
Fajardo’s fourth MVP award puts him in an illustrious club together with legends Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio, but only the gentle giant has won the plum in consecutive seasons.
He’s currently tied with Ildefonso for the record of most Best Player of the Conference awards at five.
Ildefonso is also hopeful that Fajardo’s defensive efforts would also be noticed as he expects the big man to figure in the league’s All-Defensive Team.
“I hope he continues being a part of that because with June Mar, it’s not just about the offense because he’s big, but also, his defense should be commended,” he said.
READ: Fajardo on pace for another PBA MVP award
Fajardo was named to the All-Defensive Team for the third time in his career after leading the PBA with 11.34 rebounds and 2.02 blocks this season. He was cited as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year back in the 2015-16 season.
Meanwhile, San Miguel coach Leo Austria is hoping to see his prized big man continue to develop basic skills, which will go a long way in helping him survive the big bullseye on his back.
“The competition is getting stronger, so he has to make it a project to be more fundamentally sound on offense and defense. He can’t get too comfortable on his position because the other teams are catching up and adapting on his game, so he should find a way to add more weapons to his arsenal,” the outspoken bench tactician said.
Austria also believes that it’s high time for him to make his mark in the international stage.
“It’s about time for him to help the national team. He has one of the biggest potential to help the national team succeed and he’s really going to be a valuable contributor for Gilas if he’s healthy,” he said.