Fajardo adds record 7th PBA MVP plum to still-growing collection

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beermen center June Mar Fajardo has won his seventh PBA Most Valuable Player award.

The 6-foot-10 Fajardo copped the record-extending seventh MVP award on Sunday’s 47th Annual Leo Awards at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The big man edged Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson — the reigning MVP — and Christian Standhardinger for the award. 

Aside from the MVP award, Fajardo was also part of the PBA’s First Mythical Five and the All-Defensive Team. 

“The Kraken” ended up winning the championship with San Miguel in the All-Filipino Cup last season. 

An emotional Fajardo said he dedicates his latest MVP win to his late mother.

In an interview, Fajardo also bared that he doubted another MVP win after suffering an injury. 

“I did not expect that I will be getting another MVP, because when I was injured, to tell you the truth, I did not expect that I can still compete at this level again,” the soft-spoken said in Filipino.

Fajardo fractured his right tibia back in February 2020.

He also called this MVP win the most memorable. 

“I am just happy that I won the MVP again… It was a major injury,” the 33-year-old center added. 

“I will push myself further to improve more.” 

Fajardo told reporters that he wants to win a championship with the Beermen this season. 

With Fajardo in the First Mythical Team are Thompson, Standhardinger, Barangay Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo and Fajardo’s San Miguel teammate CJ Perez. 

Fajardo was also named to the All-Defensive Team along with Standhardinger, Meralco’s Cliff Hodge and Chris Newsome, and Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon.

In the PBA Second Mythical Team are guards Robert Bolick and Mikey Williams, and forwards Calvin Oftana, Calvin Abueva and Arvin Tolentino. 

The PBA Rookie of the Year is Converge’s Justin Arana, while Ginebra newcomer Maverick Ahanmisi is the Most Improved Player.