Cloud nine: June Mar Fajardo wins record-extending PBA MVP award

Metro Manila, Philippines - June Mar Fajardo bagged his record-extending ninth PBA Most Valuable Player honor on Sunday, Oct. 5 during the Season 49 Leo Awards in Quezon City.

The 6-foot-10 Cebu native was the clear winner after helping the San Miguel Beermen capture the Philippine Cup title.

Fajardo averaged 19.2 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for the Beermen to lead the statistical points race.

This marks the third consecutive time that Fajardo nabbed the highest individual award, a remarkable comeback from a shin injury in 2020 that cut his MVP streak of six, winning from 2014 to 2019.

Fajardo also bannered the First Mythical Team alongside teammate CJ Perez, TNT’s Calvin Oftana, Robert Bolick of NLEX, and Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort.

The Second Mythical Team, meanwhile, is composed of Barangay Ginebra duo of Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar, TNT’s RR Pogoy, Zavier Lucero of Magnolia, and Converge’s Justin Arana.

Fajardo is also a member of the All-Defensive Team with Lucero, Joshua Munzon of NorthPort, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt, and Glenn Khobuntin of TNT.

Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos was hailed Rookie of the Year after playing a key role in their back-to-back finals appearances in Season 49.