PBA: Christian Standhardinger, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson in three-way battle for MVP

Christian Standhardinger, June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson are top contenders for the MVP award. Photo from PBA website

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson and Christian Standhardinger and San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo emerged as top contenders for the PBA Most Valuable Player award.

The three were automatic candidates for the top individual plum after winning Best Player of the Conference awards.

Fajardo took home the BPC award in the Philippine Cup and led the Beermen to the championship after surviving the TNT Tropang Giga in seven games.

Thompson, the reigning MVP, claimed the BPC in the Commissioner’s Cup where Ginebra outlasted guest team Bay Area Dragons in the finals showdown that also went the distance.

Standhardinger, meanwhile, topped all players in the Governors’ Cup ruled by the Tropang Giga.

The 33-year-old Fajardo holds the PBA record with six MVP awards.

The MVP winner will be determined through votes from the PBA media and players and will be unveiled during the Leo Awards as part of the Season 48 opening just

“We’re going to continue the new tradition where the Leo Awards will be held during the opening of the next season.”

The 48th PBA Season is set to take place in October after the Fiba World Cup and the Asian Games.