Metro Manila, Philippines — June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen was named the PBA Season 48 Most Valuable Player.
The gentle giant from Cebu was recognized on Sunday, Aug. 18, during the Leo Awards before the opening of the league’s 49th season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Fajardo bested teammate CJ Perez and Christian Standhardinger for the highest individual honor.
This is Fajardo’s eighth MVP plum, distancing himself from the rest of the greats like Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio who both have four each.
Meanwhile, Stephen Holt bagged the Rookie of the Year award. The Filipino-American cager was traded by the Terrafirma Dyip to Barangay Ginebra in the offseason.
Here’s the complete list of winners:
First Mythical Team
June Mar Fajardo
Christian Standhardinger
CJ Perez
Arvin Tolentino
Chris Newsome
Second Mythical Team
Cliff Hodge
Juami Tiongson
Stephen Holt
Calvin Oftana
Jason Perkins
Most Improved Player
Jhonard Clarito
Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award
