The 44th season of the Philippine Basketball Association opened at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan with the coronation of June Mar Fajardo as the best ever player in league history.
Starting the new season with the Leo Awards, top performers from the 43rd season were recognized and to no surprise, Fajardo was named Most Valuable Player for the fifth straight year.
The San Miguel Beer superstar bagged the title an unprecedented fifth time after dominating the competition last season, leading the Beermen to their fourth straight Philippine Cup championship.
Fajardo beat NorthPort top gun Stanley Pringle for the coveted individual plum.
With his fifth win, Fajardo surpassed legends Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio as the player with the most number of MVPs in league history.
“Sino ba naman mag-aakala na yung dating pinagtatawanan lang, nag- five-time MVP? Hindi mo talaga alam ang takbo ng buhay ng tao. Magsikap lang talaga,” said Fajardo of his fate. “Sana hindi pa ito yung last. Gusto ko pa mag-improve. Ayoko maging stagnant.”
Fajardo and Pringle were also part of the Mythical First Team along with Magnolia’s Paul Lee, Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar and San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter.
The Mythical Second Team was composed of Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Magnolia’s Mark Barroca, San Miguel’s Arwind Santos, NLEX’s JP Erram and Phoenix’s Matthew Wright.
Phoenix’s Jason Perkins bagged the Rookie of the Year Award after besting Alaska’s Jeron Teng in a tight battle.
“I just want to work harder and keep the process going,” said Perkins.
The All-Defensive Team was composed of Fajardo and teammate Chris Ross, Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, Magnolia’s Rafi Reavis and Rome Dela Rosa.
The Most Improved Player award likewise went to Thompson while Norwood also took home the Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award once again for the third time.
“It feels good because my hard work and extra efforts last season paid off,” said Thompson of his recognition.
Following the awarding ceremonies, the league formally opened its 44th season with a booming opening ceremony.
The traditional parade of the 12 teams, along with their lovely muses, took place with familiar faces raring to go to action with new hopes and aspirations.
As of this report, the opening game of the Philippine Cup is being disputed by longtime rivals Barangay Ginebra and TNT KaTropa.