June Mar Fajardo’s era continues to reign over Philippine basketball.
San Miguel Beer’s towering anchor, Fajardo notched his record-extending ninth Season Most Valuable Player award on Sunday during the Leo Prieto Awards for the PBA’s 49th season, held at Novotel Manila.
It was a decision that needed no deliberation.
Fajardo amassed a staggering 3,041 total points-drawn from statistics (1,668), media votes (855), and player votes (518)-leaving NLEX playmaker Robert Bolick (1,914) and NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino (1,901), now with Titan Ultra, far behind in a runaway victory.
‘Who knows that I can win a ninth PBA MVP title? Thankful to God and to all the people who helped me throughout the years, my family, and my teammates,’ said the 6-foot-10 behemoth from Cebu after receiving his ninth MVP trophy in 11 full seasons.
From 2014 to 2019, the 35-year-old national team stalwart dominated the league with six consecutive MVP crowns, until Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson broke the streak by claiming the 2021 title. Fajardo reclaimed the throne in 2023-and has held it firmly since, adding the 2024 and 2025 MVP honors to his legacy.
With 11 PBA championships and 12 Best Player of the Conference awards under his belt, Fajardo averaged 19.2 points, 15.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks across 58 games last season-now gearing up for yet another grueling campaign.
When asked about a potential tenth MVP in Season 50, Fajardo responded: ‘I am not after that because my priority is to lead my team San Miguel Beer to another championship. But if it comes, I will be happy about it.’
Among those present at the ceremony was four-time MVP Ramon ‘Mon’ Fernandez, Fajardo’s mentor from his early days in Cebu.
‘I am not surprised he achieved this feat. He is very humble and silent, and he keeps his game do the talking, he never brags about it. June Mar is also improving every season. I am incredibly happy to witness it. I knew him since he was younger in Cebu,’ Fernandez shared.
In addition to his MVP accolade, Fajardo earned his ninth First Mythical Team selection and was named among the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players since the league’s founding in 1975.
Joining him on the First Mythical Team were Bolick, San Miguel’s CJ Perez, Tolentino, and TNT’s Calvin Oftana. The Second Mythical Team featured Ginebra’s Thompson, TNT’s Roger Pogoy, Converge’s Justin Arana, Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, and Magnolia’s Zav Lucero.
Meanwhile, Ginebra’s electrifying point guard RJ Abarrientos claimed Rookie of the Year honors, edging out Caelan Tiongson of Rain or Shine and Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield.
Titan Ultra’s Joshua Munzon was named Most Improved Player, getting the nod over Adrian Nocum of Rain or Shine and Converge’s Schonny Winston. Rain or Shine’s Gian Mamuyac took home the Sportsmanship Award.
Fajardo also earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team, joined by TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin, Lucero, Munzon, and Ginebra’s Stephen Holt.