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Fajardo values team success over individual recognition

By Manila Times - 3 weeks ago

MANILA, Philippines — June Mar Fajardo's road to PBA immortality has long been a foregone conclusion.

In fact, last Sunday's precedent-smashing 11th Best Player award is but an icing in the cake so to speak in a pro basketball career that includes among others 10 PBA titles, eight league Most Valuable Player awards, four Finals MVPs and a whole lot more.

"Still not enough," Fajardo said in jest in Filipino, when asked to comment on his latest BPC award that he'll add to his trophy case.

But the soft-spoken San Miguel star slotman said his motivation at the start of each conference or season is to play with all his heart.

"To me, I always try to push myself and persevere," shared the ever-humble reigning PBA MVP. "Never did the fame and awards go into my mind, but I cherish them and I will not tire working had knowing that time will come when my career in the PBA will also end."

Of course, if he'll have his way, he'd rather win more championships as a Beerman.

"My goal is not that (winning more individual awards). I'm not chasing individual awards," he said.

"It's fun if everybody becomes a champion unlike the BPC, it's just me (who's happy), but winning a championship, it's everyone who's happy," added Fajardo, whose Beermen lost their semifinal series to the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

But then, if given more individual awards, he'd take it with gratitude.

"I hope next year again or next conference. But as for me, I'll do everything I can to help the team because these awards are reward for hardwork."

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