June Mar Fajardo during the PBA Leo Awards at Philippine Arena. The San Miguel Beer center became the league’s first five-time MVP. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BULACAN, Philippines—History has been written once again.
June Mar Fajardo cemented his case as one of the greatest players in PBA history when he collected his fifth straight MVP plum in the Leo Awards during the opening ceremonies of the 2019 PBA season.
The accolade made Fajardo, who has seven Best Player of the Conference awards, the record holder for most MVPs surpassing legends Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio.
Fajardo compiled a total of 2,436 points that were composed of his stats and votes from the media, the players, and the PBA while second placer Stanley Pringle of NorthPort accumulated 2,041 points.
San Miguel’s affable center won the BPC trophies for both the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups making him an almost sure lock for the league’s top individual award.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo was also named into the All-Defensive Team along with SMB teammate Chris Ross, Magnolia’s Rome dela Rosa and Rafi Reavis and Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, who also took home his third Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award.
Apart from Fajardo, the other four members of the Mythical First Team are Pringle, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter and Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar.
The Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompson was named the league’s Most Improved Player after his game averages jumped to 9.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals from 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.0 steals from the season before.
Thompson also won the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP plum fir his fist individual award.
Ginebra’s point guard was also included in the Mythical Second Team with Magnolia’s Mark Barroca, San Miguel’s Arwind Santos, Blackwater’s Poy Erram, and Phoenix Matthew Wright.
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