By JAN CARLO ANOLIN
June Mar Fajardo is one humble guy. And he continues to be one after bagging the Most Valuable Player award for the sixth consecutive time.
Fajardo, entering the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday in extra fashion, was hailed MVP of the 44th Season of the PBA.
June Mar Fajado enters the Smart Araneta Coliseum riding an electric scooter. (PBA Images)
The gentle giant took centerstage as he rode an electric scooter en route to center court to claim the top plum, alongside his supportive parents.
“‘Di ganun kadali yung pinagdaanan ko — mula nung nag-start pa lang ako sa basketball pero pag nakikita ko ‘yung parents kong masaya, alam ko na proud sila sakin,” Fajardo told reporters.
“‘Di nasayang ‘yung sakripisyo nila sa akin. Ayun, worth it lahat.”
Despite the feat, Fajardo doesn’t want to be called the ‘greatest’ player ever.
“Para sa akin, ‘yung MVP hindi basehan para masabing greatest [ka na]. Mas marami pang nauna sa akin na mas maraming championship na naipanalo. Dapat sila ‘yung tawagin na greatest.”
San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo delivers a speech after bagging his six straight MVP award during the 44th Leo Awards at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night. He is joined by his father, Bonifacio, and mother, Marites. (PBA Images)
The 30-year-old center extended his gratitude to all the PBA players, fans, the Beermen and San Miguel management who supported him especially after suffering a shin injury.
“Nakaka-touch,” Fajardo said. “Mahirap talaga kasi hindi ganun kadali ‘yung nangyari sa akin. Dahil sa kanila, magpapagaling ako.”
The six-time MVP needs at least four to six months of recovery, and he vowed to support the Beermen from the sideline.
“Nakakalungkot na wala ako sa court pero masaya ako na makita sila ulit. Halos isang buwan ko sila hindi nakita so ngayon masaya ako [at] nandito lang ako susuporta sa kanila.”
As of this writing, San Miguel is facing the Magnolia Hotshots in the inaugural match of the 45th season.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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