San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo looms large as the PBA fetes the best individual performances in the Season 49 Leo Awards today at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.
Fajardo is hunting for a record-extending ninth MVP, making a strong case for the coveted accolade by logging a leading 42.1 average statistical points and copping Best Player of the Conference in both the Philippine Cup and Governors’ Cup.
NLEX’ Robert Bolick, No. 2 in stats with 36.7 SPs, and Arvin Tolentino, the Commissioner’s Cup BPC winner who ranked third in stats with 35.3 SPs, are challenging JMF’s bid in the 3 p.m. ceremonies.
‘Hindi ko actually iniisip (going for MVP No. 9) pero syempre isang karangalan pag nakuha natin,’ said the Kraken, who is on the hunt for his third straight since coming back from a shin injury that sidelined him in 2020.
‘Sino ba mag-aakala, hindi ba? Hindi talaga ako mahilig sa basketball (growing up) tapos ngayon, ‘pag palarin, makaka-nine-time MVP ako, hindi ba? Hindi natin talaga masasabi ‘yung buhay kasi ano lang ako dati tapos ngayon ang dami ko na na-achieve, ang layo na narating ko sa basketball. So thankful ako kay God sa mga blessings na binibigay niya sa akin at sa mga blessings na parating.’
Aside from a spot in the Mythical First Team, the 6-foot-10 gentle giant is also in contention for the center position in the All-Defensive Team.
Meanwhile, Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield, Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos, Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson, Phoenix’ Kai Ballungay and Meralco CJ Cansino are contesting the Rookie of the Year honors.
Magnolia’s Zav Lucero, Titan’s Joshua Munzon, ROS’ Adrian Nocum, Terrafirma’s Louie Sangalang and Converge’s Schonny Winston are disputing the Most Improved Player plum while Meralco’s Aaron Black, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt and Scottie Thompson, SMB’s Marcio Lassiter, ROS’ Gian Mamuyac, Meralco’s Bong Quinto and Phoenix’ Tyler Tio are vying for the Sportsmanship Award.