June Mar Fajardo captures 8th PBA MVP award

June Mar Fajardo is still PBA's kingpin. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--June Mar Fajardo continued to stamp his legacy in the PBA as he won his eighth MVP award during the Leo Awards on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The San Miguel center, aside from leading the league in statistical points last season, also topped the media and player votes to beat teammate CJ Perez and now Terrafirma player Christian Standhardinger for the top individual prize.

Fajardo amassed 2,799 points, way ahead of Perez, who had 1,951.

Standhardinger, despite finishing second in SPs and second too in player votes, fell to third with 1,731 points.

The three MVP candidates headlined the Mythical First Team along with NorthPort's Arvin Tolentino and Meralco's Chris Newsome.

Rookie of the Year Stephen Holt headlined the Mythical Second Team along with Cliff Hodge, Calvin Oftana, Jason Perkins, and Juami Tiongson.

Because only Holt, who along with Tiongson helped Terrafirma make a return to the playoffs, made the Mythical Selection among last season's freshmen, the now Ginebra combo guard was automatically named the Rookie of the Year.

Fajardo, Newsome, and Hodge all made the All-Defensive Team as well along with the Batang Pier's Joshua Munzon and the Dyip's Kemark Carino.

Rain Or Shine's Jhonard Clarito, whose PBA career skyrocketed last season, was named the Most Improved Player, while Paul Zamar was given the Sportsmanship Award.

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