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June Mar Fajardo rewrites PBA history with 8th MVP award

By Manila Times - a month ago

(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer star slotman June Mar Fajardo again rewrote the PBA history books after winning his eighth Most Valuable Player award during Sunday's Leo Awards for Season 48.

The MVP award added to an already truckload of trophy collection for the "Kraken", who is coming off a healthy year this past season that allowed him to lead the Beermen to the Commissioner's Cup championship, followed by a runner-up finish behind Philippine Cup champion Meralco Bolts.

Fajardo's MVP dominance, which started in 2014, saw him win six straight, followed by Scottie Thompson winning it in Season 46, before the SMB stat returned with much aplomb, capturing the highest individual award the last two PBA seasons.

His record that now stands at eighth may not be broken as he continues to create the big gap.

Legendary PBA figures Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio used to hold the gold standard after winning four MVP awards each in their respective pro careers.

The 34-year-old Cebuano big man defeated incoming Terrafirma slot man Christian Standhardinger and SMB wingman CJ Perez for the coveted award. Fajardo, Standhardinger and Perez, automatically earned spots in the Mythical First Team, along with Meralco's Chris Newsome, and NorthPort forward Arvin Tolentino.

The Second Mythical Team on the other hand, comprises Stephen Holt, Juami Tiongson, Cliff Hodge, Jason Perkins and Calvin Oftana Meanwhile, Holt as expected won the Rookie of the Year honors.

Spending just one season with Terrafirma, the 6-foot-4 Holt made his presence felt after a strong bounce-back performance during the Philippine Cup last season.

NorthPort guard Paul Zamar won the Sportsmanship Award, while the All-Defensive Team includes Cliff Hodge, Fajardo, Joshua Munzon, Newsome and Kemark Carino.

Jhonard Clarito of Rain or Shine is named the Most Improved Player winner.

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