June Mar Fajardo wins record-breaking 5th MVP award

For the fifth season in a row, San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo is the Most Valuable Player of the PBA.

Fajardo officially received the MVP trophy on Sunday at the Philippine Arena, where the league held the Leo Awards to formally close its 43rd season before opening the new one.





The "Kraken" now owns the most number of MVP trophies in PBA history, breaking a tie with PBA legends Alvin Patrimonio and Ramon Fernandez. He is also the first and only player in the long history of the league to win five straight MVP awards.

Fajardo averaged 20.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game for San Miguel, which ruled the All-Filipino Cup for the fourth season in a row last year.

It was a tight race for the league's highest individual honor, as NorthPort guard Stanley Pringle gave Fajardo a run for his money with his remarkable performances last season.

Pringle had more statistical points (1107-1032), as well as player votes (395-327), but Fajardo got the nod from the media (777-389) and the league (300-150), to win the MVP by a slim margin of 2436 votes to 2041.

Ultimately, Pringle settled for joining the SMB big man in the First Mythical Team, after averaging 21.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game last year.

"Sana hindi po ito 'yung last," said Fajardo upon receiving the award. "Ang gusto ko lang naman ay mag-improve. Ayaw kong maging stagnant."

Fajardo, who expressed his gratitude to his family, his college coach, and his team for his historic achievement, would call on to his parents to join him on stage in an emotional moment.

June Mar is joined on the stage by his parents. pic.twitter.com/oqOlcps7hs

— Camille B. Naredo (@camillenaredo) January 13, 2019

Joining Fajardo and Pringle in the First Mythical Team were: Paul Lee (Magnolia), Japeth Aguilar (Ginebra), and Marcio Lassiter (SMB).

Meanwhile, the Second Mythical Team was composed of: Arwind Santos (San Miguel), Poy Erram (NLEX), Scottie Thompson (Ginebra), Mark Barroca (Magnolia) and Matthew Wright (Phoenix).

Fajardo also headlined the All-Defensive Team, where he was joined by teammate Chris Ross, Magnolia’s Rafi Reavis and Rome dela Rosa, and Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood.

SOURCE: https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/13/19/pba-june-mar-fajardo-wins-record-breaking-5th-mvp-award