San Miguel Beermen center June Mar Fajardo has won the PBA Most Valuable Player award for a record-extending seventh time. He received the Leo Trophy, named after the league’s first commissioner, shortly before the opening of PBA Season 48 on Sunday.
Fajardo regained the award after tallying 1244 statistical points, 152 player votes, and 852 media votes. He bested Scottie Thompson and Christian Standhardinger of Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
Aside from winning the MVP award, Fajardo was also included in the league’s First Mythical Team and All-Defensive Team.
Fajardo admitted that he never thought he would win another MVP award after suffering a serious leg injury four years ago. However, he is thankful to all the specialists who helped him through the recovery process.
Justin Arana of Converge FiberXers was named the PBA Rookie of the Year, while Maverick Ahanmisi of Ginebra San Miguel Kings was picked as the Most Improved Player of the Year.
Completing the First Mythical Team are Thompson, Standhardinger, and Jamie Malonzo of Ginebra San Miguel Kings, and CJ Perez of San Miguel Beermen.
The All-Defensive Team is made up of Standhardinger, Fajardo, Jio Jalalon of Magnolia Hotshots, Cliff Hodge of Meralco Bolts, and Chris Newsome of Meralco Bolts.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 6, 2023
