Fajardo resets record, wins 7th PBA MVP

MANILA, Philippines: San Miguel Beer’s star center June Mar Fajardo extended his dominance in the PBA after winning a new record seventh Most Valuable Player award during Sunday’s Season 47 Annual Leo Awards at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

June Mar Fajardo PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO 

Fajardo, the 33-year-old Cebuano adds the latest top individual awarded in his trophy case after amassing 2,248 total points top top the statistical points (1,244) and media votes (852), while winding up second among votes from the players (152).

His Barangay Ginebra counterpart Christian Standhardinger was a distant second in the MVP race with 1,559 points, while his teammate Thompson, the Season 46 MVP, came in at third spot with 1,539 points. The popular Ginebra superstar guard topped the players votes (166).

Fajardo’s SMB teammate CJ Perez round out the top four contenders with 1,177 points.

Fajardo and his three other MVP rivals automatically made it to the Mythical First Team, along with vastly-improved Barangay Ginebra power forward Jamie Malonzo.

The Cebuano slotman, a regular fixture also with Gilas, has dominated the MVP awards after winning seven of the last eight since 2012.

Meanwhile, the PBA Second Mythical Team include TNT’s Calvin Oftana and Mikey Williams, NorthPort’s Robert Bolick and Arvin Tolentino, as well as Magnolia forward Calvin Abueva.

Newly-acquired Barangay Ginebra guard Maverick Ahanmisi was named Most Improved Player, while Blackwater big man Justin Arana won Rookie of the Year honor for Season 47.

On the other hand, Fajardo and Standhardinger, are joined by Cliff Hodge, Jio Jalalon and, Chris Newsome in the All-Defensive Team for the 47th season.