June Mar Fajardo: Thanks to my great team

On possible fifth MVP plum

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer behemoth June Mar Fajardo looks well a cinch for an unprecedented fifth PBA Most Valuable Player award but he’s not taking all the credit to himself.

He said he’s lucky to be with a great team with a bunch of great players, and it’s a huge help in all the individual awards he’s tucked under his belt.

And he insists he’s surprised with all the laurels he’s achieved.

“All I was expecting was improvement in my game,” said Fajardo, who though a giant from his youth started playing the game a little late.

“I was lucky to be with San Miguel where I’ve got to be with good teammates. We made good runs in the playoffs, and that made me a regular MVP contender,” Fajardo also said. “If I were with another team, and we’re not making the playoffs, I would not get the MVP awards that I’ve won.”

With the Best Player of the Conference accolades in the Philippine Cup and in the Commissioner’s Cup, Fajardo is the top favorite to win the PBA Season 43 MVP trophy over Stanley Pringle, Paul Lee and Japeth Aguilar.

The San Miguel ace player is expected to be the biggest winner in the Leo Awards that ushers in the 44th PBA season inaugurals tomorrow at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Fajardo, Pringle, Lee and Aguilar are expected to make the Mythical Team with either Marcio Lassiter or Arwind Santos.

Also strong bets for the Mythical First and Second Selections are Sean Anthony, Matthew Wright, Alex Cabagnot, Scottie Thompson and Poy Erram.

Jason Perkins could well be the hands-down choice for the Rookie of the Year award while Thompson and Erram are the top contenders for the Most Improved award.